Royal ploughing ceremony is a prediction ceremony during which the Cambodians are believed to predict a wide range of events including epidemics, floods and rains. It is held in Phnom Phen in front of the National museum.
Buddhism which came to Cambodia from India is almost a thousand years old. The ancient Khmer alternated between Hinduism and Buddhism. These two faiths dominated the country for centuries depending on the religious belief of the ruling monarchs. Jayavarman, the seventh one of Cambodia's greatest kings followed Buddhism as he was profoundly struck by its doctrines and principles. He devoted time to improve the infrastructure and health care of his subjects by building hospitals and rest houses. The bridge built by Jayavarman the seventh over the Ching kreng river is an engineering marvel.
The influence of Indian culture and religion on Cambodia is undeniable. The Khmers assimilated some aspects of the alien culture to form a heritage of their own. Buddhism in Cambodia is different from other parts of Asia and is mixed with animistic and astrological beliefs and practices. Icons of Buddha are worshipped here. Tourists to this country with a knowledge of Buddhism will be stupefied to see the monks tech savvy. Priest hood in Cambodia is not necessarily a lifelong commitment as they become monks in order to educate themselves. The practitioners of BUDDHISM suffered persecution during the Polpot regime but was able to reestablish itself as soon as religious freedom was restored following the fall of Polpot. Buddhism is likely to remain the dominant faith for centuries to come.
Let us peep into the art forms of the country. The Khmer classical dance is very important to Khmer culture. Classical dance
as an art form suffered severe blows to its continuity and came to close to extinction a couple of times. The original classical dance came from India along with the other cultural and religious beliefs. It had a strong religious element and closely mirrored Indian temple dance. During the rule of Jayavarman, there were nearly 3,000 dancers. Classical dance is still revered and considered a national treasure.
The forces which threatened the survival of the art were bereft of artistic expression. Who were they?
Royal ploughing ceremony is a prediction ceremony during which the Cambodians are believed to predict a wide range of events including epidemics, floods and rains. It is held in Phnom Phen in front of the National museum.
The influence of Indian culture and religion on Cambodia is undeniable. The Khmers assimilated some aspects of the alien culture to form a heritage of their own. Buddhism in Cambodia is different from other parts of Asia and is mixed with animistic and astrological beliefs and practices. Icons of Buddha are worshipped here. Tourists to this country with a knowledge of Buddhism will be stupefied to see the monks tech savvy. Priest hood in Cambodia is not necessarily a lifelong commitment as they become monks in order to educate themselves. The practitioners of BUDDHISM suffered persecution during the Polpot regime but was able to reestablish itself as soon as religious freedom was restored following the fall of Polpot. Buddhism is likely to remain the dominant faith for centuries to come. 
Let us peep into the art forms of the country. The Khmer classical dance is very important to Khmer culture. Classical dance
as an art form suffered severe blows to its continuity and came to close to extinction a couple of times. The original classical dance came from India along with the other cultural and religious beliefs. It had a strong religious element and closely mirrored Indian temple dance. During the rule of Jayavarman, there were nearly 3,000 dancers. Classical dance is still revered and considered a national treasure.
