Cambodia
Sand Origin
Mekong river, Kompong Cham City
Random Sand Fact
During Khmer New Year in Cambodia, people carry sand to the temple and build mountains from it.
The sand is shaped into stupas or small mountains in the temple grounds and decorated with flowers, flags and incense.
Adding sand is a Buddhist act of merit-making for the coming year. In one traditional interpretation, the central sand mountain represents sacred Mount Meru. In another, it represents a stupa containing relics of the Buddha.
An old belief takes it even further: each grain added brings merit.
