The Khmer New Year celebration at Stockton's Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple attracted thousands and marked the 50th anniversary of survival following the genocidal regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, which led to the deaths of 3 million Cambodians. Sovandy Hang, a leader of the temple's activities and a survivor himself, recalled his traumatic experiences and the establishment of a Cambodian community in California post-1980. The festivities, rich with cultural expression through dance, food, and games, serve as both a joyful celebration and somber remembrance of resilience against past atrocities.
The Khmer New Year celebration in Stockton not only marks a cultural significance but also commemorates 50 years of survival post-genocide, highlighting resilience.
Sovandy Hang, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, shares that though he tries to forget the horror of his past, it remains in his consciousness.
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