Chhayam adds a festive, communal feeling to Cambodian Buddhist ceremonies. In this photo, the musicians participate in the procession at the annual Theravada Buddhist ceremony, Bun Kathin. The primary purpose of Bun Kathin is to make offerings to monks and support the local temples or monasteries as a way to earn merit.
Chhayam is a popular folk dance that plays a role in preserving Cambodian cultural heritage in the diaspora. Children are often part of Chhayam dance troupes. The dance provides a way to share stories of everyday life in Cambodia and legends. (Photo courtesy of Kayte Deioma)
The Chhayam dance is accompanied by percussion instruments like drums and cymbals, as well as wind instruments like flutes. The lively and rhythmic music sets the pace for the dance and audience excitement.
Chhayam is typically performed by a group of dancers, often in a circle or line formation. Dancers wear brightly colored traditional Khmer clothes. Women dancers wear sampot, sarong-style skirts adorned with decorative patterns, while male dancers wear loose-fitting pants and shirts. Both genders may wear ornate jewelry and accessories. (Photo courtesy of Kayte Deioma)
Chhayam dancers play drums as the troupe walks through the crowd at a Cambodian New Year celebration at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, California. Audience members are encouraged to join in the dance. (Photo courtesy of Kayte Deioma)
