On the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Meak, which this year fell on January 21, 2026, people in the Angkor area observe the Loeung Meak ceremony, a tradition dating back to ancient times. It takes place at village Neak Ta shrines, temples, Sala Chhotean pavilions or other sacred places in each village.
The ceremony was held in Nokor Krao village, at Angkor Wat and at Wat Athvea temple.
The offerings vary in scale by community. Indispensable items include pig heads, chickens, rice noodles, cigarettes, alcohol, candles, incense, Bay Sei, Sla Thor, food, desserts and drinks.
Loeung Meak has a long history and is regularly observed by Angkor residents after the harvest, marking the end of the agricultural cycle. During the ceremony, villagers ask the Neak Ta guardians of the locality to protect villagers’ well-being, keep illnesses away and provide sufficient rain for the next farming season.
Source: Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Adapted by Chinta Titi.
