Phnom Penh: ‘Troddi’, a cherished Khmer folk dance, is prominently performed during Cambodia’s traditional New Year, ‘Chaul Chnam Thmei’. It serves the purpose of driving out bad luck from the old year and ushering in good fortune for the new year, as well as being featured in major festivals.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, ‘Troddi’ was also traditionally performed during rain-praising rites in times of drought. The exact origins of the dance remain uncertain, but one theory suggests it might have originated from a belief that a wild animal entering a village would take away good luck. In response, villagers would spray fragrance and apply pigments on the animal, asking for their luck to be returned. This act potentially led to the creation of the ‘Troddi’ dance, where performers represent animals like red deer, bulls, and peacocks, symbolically having fragrance and pigments applied.

Some documents suggest that the ‘Troddi’ dance originated with the ‘Samre’, an ethnic group that lived alongside the Khmers on the ancient land of ‘Sovannaphum’ before the influence of Indian civilization in the 1st century. Despite historical changes, the dance has become a significant cultural heritage of the Cambodian people. Notably, a small number of ‘Samre’ people still reside in the northern part of Tonle Sap Lake.

Historically, the ‘Troddi’ dance was performed during the New Year before the kings and royal families, wishing them a happy and prosperous year. This tradition contributed to its enduring popularity, especially in Siem Reap province and the areas surrounding the former capital city of ‘Angkor Wat’, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries.

The dance typically involves about 16 performers, with roles including four main dancers (two female and two male), a stag representing evil forces, a ‘Dangdol’ who carries a musical instrument, four ‘Kanhche’ clowns, two giants, two monsters, two drummers, a hunter, and others.