Chreat Phreah Neanng Korl Festival

Although there are various other scientific methods to forecast the weather and to determine
harvests, Cambodians have their methods to foretell the future. Through traditional rituals that are often ceremoniously observed and seriously celebrated nationwide. Cambodians are warned of calamities, assured of good harvest and so forth. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, or Pithi Chret Preah Neanng Korl in cambodia and the Festival of water and Full Moon salutation, known  as Pithi Bon Om Touk and Ark Armbok-Sampeah Preah khear  in Cambodia, aresuch ceremonies Prediction gleaned from these traditional ceremonies for the coming year are taken very seriously. The Festival of water and Full Moon Salutation is Celebrated usually in late October. Drippings from burning candles predict rainfall distribution to provinces across the country. The Royal ploughing Ceremony predicts the weather, epidemics and farming conditions. By observing what feed the royal oxen choose after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Cambodians believe they can year, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony was held on may 11 at the Veal Preahmein Square, situated across the road from the northern perimeter of the Royal palace.
At the end of a symbolic ploughing procession befor His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, the Royal oxen were relived of their harnesses and led to golden trays containing rice, corn, sesame seeds, beans grass, water and led wine to feed. The Royal oxen chose rice corn while they largely ignored the trays of sesame seeds, grass, water and wine prognostications were as follows: farmers would enjoy a moderate output for their rice harvest but good yields in secondary crop production, especially corn and beans. Because the Royal oxen only sniffed on the tray of water and turned away from the wine, the prediction was made that farmers would not suffer any serious floods.
Every year, Cambodia farmers anxiously await the predictions at the end of this ritualistic ceremony which they observe with strong faith and belief. Most Cambodians today still consult traditional manuals before making any major decisions regarding business matters or meeting important person, etc.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony has been observed for many centuries at the initiative of an earlier Khmer king who had paid great attention to farming conditions of the people. Traditionally, the Pithi Chrat Preah Neanng korl is performed in the month of Pisak (May), which is actually the sixth month of the Khmer calendar and marks the beginning of the rainy season in Cambodia.
When asked, most Cambodians stand staunchly by these traditional methods of predicting the future and vouch for their accuracy. It is comforting to believe that the angels are still watching over us. As they say in Cambodia, long live the Khmer traditions. Long Live Cambodia.