Chol Chnam Thmay – New Year’s Day of ethnic Khmer, Viet Nam

According to the tradition of ethnic Khmer people living in the south of Vietnam, especially in villages such as Soc Trang, Chau Doc, Long Xuyen, mid-April is the time of change between the dry season and the rainy season. This is the time when the sky and the earth are in harmony, when all the trees are green and budding which is expected to be a good start. The Khmers consider them to be the beginning of a new year called Chol Chnam Thmay (in the new year).
Whether rich or poor, it is essential for the Khmer to have Num-Chrut (Tet cake), Num-tean (It cake) and Num-Kha-Nhi (ginger cake). These cakes symbolise prosperity, and good harvest and are worshipped on the altar of the ancestors. They are also used as offerings at temples during the new year.

Source: izitour.com