Bonn Chrat Preah Nongkol – Royal Ploughing Ceremony

This ceremony goes back to the times when the King inaugurated the harvesting season. In this century, the ritual is performed at the inception of rainy season in Cambodia. Representatives of the King take place of the King and the Queen. A procession revolves around the field thrice and then stops at the Shrine when Brahmins provoke God. Sacred cows are brought and several items are put in front of them for e.g rice, beans, alcohol, water, etc. It is assumed that it the cows eat rice or drink water then the rice will be good. However, cow’s inclination towards alcohol or beans is considered as an alarm.