PHNOM PENH — Once a staple of village life after long days in the fields, traditional Cambodian folk games have now largely retreated into the spotlight only during the Khmer New Year. As everyday interest fades, festive Sangkranta celebrations are stepping in to rekindle a connection between these cultural pastimes and the country’s younger generations.

 These games—joyful, energetic, and once loved by all ages—include Chhoung, Teanh Praot (a tug-of-war), Bos Angkunh, the hit-the-earthen-pot game, Kous Tro Loak, and Ok Chaktrong. For generations, they were played in open fields and village grounds, a form of relaxation and bonding after labor-intensive farming.

Today, however, they are mostly reserved for special occasions like the Khmer New Year and are typically played during daylight hours.

 A 40-year-old woman reflected on how things have changed: in her youth, the games were also a nighttime tradition, played under the full moon on New Year’s Eve.

“Today, they are usually played during the day and mainly during organized events,” she said.

Despite their cultural roots, many young Cambodians aren’t familiar with some of these games.

Son Sreysour, 21, a fourth-year student at the Department of Media and Communication, admitted, “I don’t know how to play the Sdech Jang (King Game), but I enjoy Bos Angkunh, Chhoung, and Teanh Praot.” She recently participated in these games at her workplace during Sangkranta celebrations.

Sreysour noted that Bos Angkunh is hardly seen in Phnom Penh, and she speculated whether the reason lies in the cost of materials or a lack of awareness.

“I’m happy because traditional games are played only occasionally. They are different from games in other countries and have unique meanings,” she said.

Ly Raksa, a fourth-year student at the University of Cambodia, echoed similar sentiments. She is familiar with a few games—Teanh Praot, Chhoung, Bos Angkunh, the jumping bag race, and the hit-the-earthen-pot game—and recalled how tug-of-war helped her feel a stronger sense of community.

Raksa has noticed a growing interest in folk games over the past three years. Both she and Sreysour believe that hosting Sangkranta at schools and workplaces plays a vital role in reviving these traditions.

Sreysour emphasized the importance of not just playing but also understanding the deeper meanings behind each game. She hopes more educational content will be shared on social media. Raksa added that Sangkranta should be celebrated annually to give youth regular opportunities to engage in folk games.

To support this growing enthusiasm, Siyonn Sophearith, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, is urging elders to become more active in passing on traditional knowledge and guiding the next generation.

“There weren’t many opportunities for them to play, and the lack of leaders or older people to guide them also limited their engagement in the games,” said Sophearith.

“But today, we have events like Angkor Sangkranta, village festivals, and Sangkranta celebrations across cities and provinces, which give them a chance to play and learn.”

Sophearith noted that the prime minister’s call to action has led local authorities across Cambodia to increase their support for cultural activities during Sangkranta. Elders in cultural communities have also begun requesting materials to facilitate games like Angkunh and Sey.

To that end, the ministry has stepped in with funding to help elders buy the necessary materials—allowing them to lead and engage youth during Khmer New Year festivities.

Sophearith added that both folk games and dances need greater media support to raise awareness and preserve their cultural value. While he hopes young people continue to show interest, he also stressed that elders and local leaders must dedicate time to keeping these traditions alive.