[Stockton's] Cambodian New Year: cultural, spiritual

Buddhist temple hosts weekend of festivities

Monks sit before afternoon prayer Friday at the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple, which is hosting a five-day Cambodian New Year celebration.Michael McCollum/The Record

By Jennie Rodriguez-Moore

Record Staff Writer

April 13, 2013 

STOCKTON - Sopheak Cheng helped her family prepare food for an anticipated three-day festival where cultural traditions meet spirituality.

"Yes, it's a lot of work," Cheng said, but it's important "because it's the new year."

Beef skewers, egg rolls and papaya salad were among the treats for sale at Cheng's booth. Perfect for the Cambodian New Year celebration.

Chaul Chnam Thmey - literally translated to English is "Enter New Year" - was kicked off Friday in low-key fashion with a religious ceremony and vendor booths dotting the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple at 3732 E. Carpenter Road.

More elaborate programs are scheduled for today and Sunday. Costumed dancers will perform to Southeast Asian folk music. There will be live music and children's games.

On Sunday afternoon, a special cleansing of a Buddha statue will symbolize that water gives life.

Several 15-foot-tall colorful statues of Buddha are lined along a path for passers-by to drop monetary contributions inside donation boxes from time to time.

"We give (to) thank Buddha," said Phalli Kong, who attended Friday. "I have to pray to bless my family; for peace for me and my family; to be happy."

Kong, 49, continues embracing her traditions years after arriving to Northern California as a refugee. "You remember whatever people celebrated over there," she said.

Thousands of miles away from her native land, she can still reconnect with old friends as the temple grounds draw families from throughout the area.

"Sometimes, you never see the friend. Then you can meet the friend here," said Kong, of Sacramento.

The event, traditionally blending rituals from the primary religion, is commemorated April 13-15, marking a time when farmers can enjoy the end of the harvest season in the homeland.

Celebrations in the U.S. are usually held on a weekend around that time. Stockton's event is expected to have 2,000 to 3,000 people in attendance.

"Everyone is welcome," said Lee Inn, a board member of the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Association. "It doesn't matter what nationality you are."

Starting today, Inn said, there "will be a lot more noise for sure."

Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez-Moore at  (209) 943-8564  or jrodriguez@recordnet.com. Visit her blog at www.recordnet.com/courtsblog.