Cambodian community celebrates culture with New Year's festival

Auckland’s Cambodian community celebrated Khmer New Year's at a temple in Takanini last week.

Hosted by the Auckland Khmer Buddhist Association, the event featured live music, food stalls, and food was offered to the monks.

Usually lasting three days from April 13 to April 16 , the event was traditionally celebrated by farmers at the end of harvesting season and has become a festival that takes place all over the world.

Lim Vanon, president of the Auckland Khmer Buddhist Association Incorporated, said the event was important to the city’s local Cambodian community as it was an important “part of our Cambodian culture”.

It creates “unity around New Zealand” and within the country’s Cambodian community, said Mr Vanon.

Celebrating the event at the Wat Khemaraphitaram Temple, said Mr Vanon, makes the community feel “comfortable”.

Built in 2004, the temple aims to cater towards Auckland's Cambodian community and describes itself as "a spiritual and cultural focal point for the Khmer people".

Cambodian-Kiwi, Baramey Kadeth, attended the event with his grandmother.

Mr Kadeth said the festival was “a really good experience if you get into it”.

However, Mr Kadeth, said he “found it hard” to connect with people at the event.

“The Cambodian community [in Auckland] is quite closed.”

However, Mr Kadeth said it would be exciting for people from other ethnic groups to attend the event.

"It's good to experience new cultures," said Mr Kadeth, and "the food's good".

Born and raised in New Zealand, Mr Kadeth said the Khmer New Year's celebrations was a crucial way to continue his roots and acknowledge his family’s heritage.

“Even though we’re not in Cambodia,” said Mr Kadeth, it’s important to “know your history and the important people who made your history”.