Khmer Calendar 1987 -

In 1987, Cambodia was slowly emerging from a decade of turmoil following the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime (1979) and the subsequent Vietnamese occupation. While politics dominated headlines, the daily lives of Cambodians—both inside the country and in diaspora communities in France, the US, and Australia—continued to be guided by an ancient, sophisticated lunisolar system: the Khmer calendar.

The year 1987 in the Gregorian system corresponds primarily to Buddhist Era (BE) 2530 (from January 1 to April 13, 1987) and BE 2531 (from April 14 to December 31, 1987). For the Khmer, the most significant turning point was not January 1, but Chaul Chnam Thmey—the Khmer New Year—which fell on April 13, 14, and 15, 1987 (BE 2531).

Before diving into the specific dates of 1987, it is essential to understand why the Khmer calendar is unique. Unlike the Western Gregorian calendar (solar) or the Islamic calendar (purely lunar), the Khmer calendar is lunisolar. khmer calendar 1987

In 1987, the calendar functioned as it has for centuries, dictating the dates for Kathina robe-offerings, Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day), and the traditional New Year Chaul Chnam Thmey.

The Khmer calendar, known as Sakarach (សករាជ), is a lunisolar calendar used in Cambodia. It determines traditional holidays, Buddhist observance days (Thngai Sil), and astrological events. For the year 1987 in the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Buddhist Era year was 2530 (beginning around April 13–14, 1987). In 1987, Cambodia was slowly emerging from a

Here is a breakdown of key dates, the new year transition, and major holidays for that year.

| Khmer Month | Gregorian Approx. | Days | Notable Event | |-------------|------------------|------|----------------| | Meksak | Jan 1987 | 29 | Cool season continues | | Phalkun | Feb–Mar 1987 | 30 | Meak Bochea (Feb 12) | | Chét | Mar–Apr 1987 | 29 | End of hot dry season | | Visak | Apr–May 1987 | 30 | Khmer New Year (Apr 13-15); Visak Bochea | | Cheas | May–Jun 1987 | 29 | Beginning of rainy season | | Ashad | Jun–Jul 1987 | 30 | | | Sadrapet | Jul–Aug 1987 | 29 | Start of Buddhist Lent (July 11) | | Photrabot | Aug–Sep 1987 | 30 | | | Asoch | Sep–Oct 1987 | 29 | End of Lent (Oct 7) | | Katdok | Oct–Nov 1987 | 30 | Water Festival (late Oct/early Nov) | | Mikkeir | Nov–Dec 1987 | 29 | | | Pirrmeak | Dec 1987 | 30 | End of Gregorian year | In 1987, the calendar functioned as it has

The year 1987 fell during a transitional period in modern Cambodian history (the late 1980s under the People’s Republic of Kampuchea). Despite political challenges, traditional calendar customs remained alive, especially in rural areas and diaspora communities. Pagodas continued to mark Thngai Sil, and farmers followed the lunar months for planting and harvesting.

On the full moon of Asoch (Oct 7, 1987), Lent ends. Then follows a month of Kathina—a robe-offering ceremony. In 1987, communities across Cambodia and the diaspora raised funds to buy new robes for monks. It was a time of joy and generosity.

Every Khmer year is governed by two cycles: the animal (12-year) and the element (10-year). 1987 was the year of the Rabbit (Thoh), combined with the Fire element.