Bun Vityealay
Bun Vityealay (Khmer: បុណ្យវិទ្យាល័យ) is a yearly festival at Hun Sen Krong Teap Nimith High School in Pailin, Cambodia. It happens every April to celebrate the Khmer New Year. The festival helps students learn about Khmer culture and brings the community together.
Purpose and Meaning
The festival wants to:
- Keep Khmer culture alive
- Help students work as a team
- Show respect to teachers and elders
- Make the school and community closer
History and Founders
Bun Vityealay started because some teachers and students wanted to celebrate Khmer culture and help students be creative. The founders are:
- Ms. Hak Sokheng
- Ms. Mean Sokheng
- Ms. Som Dalen
- Ms. Phoeun Sotheary
- Mr. Siv Toro (chairman in 2024)
- Mr. Chen Veasna (chairman in 2022 and 2023)
- Mr. Sun Chesda (chairman in 2025)
Growth and Participation
Many people join the festival every year. The number of people has grown:
- In 2022, about 9,000 people joined.
- In 2023, about 10,000 people joined.
- In 2024, about 15,000 people joined.
- In 2025, about 27,000 people joined.
Funding and Support
The festival gets money from:
- Students and their parents
- Teachers
- Local companies and businesses
- People living in Pailin
Activities
During Bun Vityealay, there are many fun things to do, such as:
- Traditional Khmer dances like Robam Trot and Chhayyam
- Khmer games like Bos Angkunh, Leak Kanseng, and tug-of-war
- Ceremonies to thank teachers and elders
- Playing with water and powder to celebrate the New Year
- Food and craft booths run by students
- Music and shows with student talents
The 2025 Festival
In 2025, Mr. Sun Chesda was the chairman of the festival. The event became bigger and more organized. Many people and companies helped.
References
Importance
Bun Vityealay helps young people learn about Khmer culture and traditions. It also helps students learn to work together and makes the community stronger.