Cambodia &Tradition: Celebrations of the religious festival Chol Vossa

‘Chol Vossa‘ (the beginning of the rainy season or the monks’ retreat), one of the kingdom's major religious festivals, began this Sunday 21 July 2024 and will last until 17 October. During this annual three-month festival, monks are not allowed to leave their pagodas to collect alms, and must remain within the compound unless invited by the faithful.

Beginning of the Chol Vossa religious festival. AKP photograph

In general, the faithful offer the bonzes food, clothing, basic necessities and, in particular, ‘Tean Vossa’ (Vossa candles), large candles that are supposed to represent life.

The monks burn these ‘Tean Vossa’ every day and every night until the end of the monks' retreat or “Chegn Vossa” festival, which is also celebrated.

Spiritually, Chol Vossa is supposed to represent a special retreat programme for all Buddhists. Both bhikku monks and lay people have been taking part in this programme since Buddha's time, with the aim of learning and practising the Dhamma. This term means ‘to maintain’ and is therefore at the heart of Buddhist belief, as it enables the religion to be ‘preserved-maintained’.

‘Chol Vossa‘ (the beginning of the rainy season or the monks’ retreat), one of the kingdom's major religious festivals, began this Sunday 21 July 2024 and will last until 17 October.

Buddhists may also believe that Dhamma maintains the natural order of the universe. This precept is based on the actions and teachings of the Buddha, which Buddhists are encouraged to follow.

During Chol Vossa, monks are also expected to perform the Pavarana Kamma rites, and to respect certain commitments, such as not leaving the temple grounds before sunrise, waking up early each morning to chant mantras and practise meditation, and attending the Pathimoka assembly regularly.

On the first day of Chol Vosa, long discussions are held about the existing Vinaya, or about the discipline and conduct of the monks. On the last day, a closing meeting is held to evaluate the achievements and failures of each monk. This is a time for the monks to express their solidarity with, and eventual forgiveness of, each other.

Chol Vossa religious festival celebrations

The offering of candles is important to the monks, who use them to light the ‘darkness’ while they pray and study.

But in modern times, not all pagodas use candles and incense sticks. Monks also have the option of being offered light bulbs instead of candles.