Phnom penh: 'Troddi', a cherished Khmer folk dance, is prominently performed during Cambodia's traditional New Year, 'Chaul Chnam Thmei'. This dance serves as a cultural ritual to expel misfortune from the preceding year and usher in prosperity for the coming year. It is also featured in significant festivals and was historically part of ceremonies aimed at invoking rain during prolonged droughts. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the origins of 'Troddi' remain a subject of speculation. One theory suggests its creation was related to a traditional belief involving wild animals entering villages. Villagers would spray fragrance and apply pigments on these animals to reclaim their good fortune. This practice may have inspired the 'Troddi' dance, where performers embody various animals like red deer, bulls, and peacocks, appearing before villagers to be similarly adorned. The belief held that such enactments would prevent harm if real animals appeared. Historical accounts propose that the 'Troddi' dance or iginated with the 'Samre' ethnic group, who shared the land of 'Sovannaphum' with the Khmers before Indian cultural influences emerged in the 1st century. Over time, the dance has become an integral part of Cambodian heritage. Notably, some 'Samre' people continue to reside in the northern region of Tonle Sap Lake. Traditionally, the 'Troddi' dance was performed before kings and royal families during New Year celebrations, wishing them well-being. This tradition explains its enduring popularity, especially in Siem Reap province and the vicinity of the historical capital, 'Angkor Wat', constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. The dance ensemble usually consists of about 16 performers, with variations based on community preferences. The group typically includes four main dancers-two female and two male-alongside characters like a stag representing evil forces, a 'Dangdol' musician, four 'Kanhche' clowns, giants, monsters, drummers, a hunter, and additional figures.