In Images & Tradition: Prelude to the celebration of Visak Bochea in Angkor Thom

Last Saturday, at Wat Preah En Tep in Angkor Thom, a preparation ceremony for the celebration of Visak Bochea took place , during which 540 young men and women were ordained.

Prelude to the celebration of Visak Bochea in Angkor Thom

The ceremony included the shaving and drying of hair, as well as the ordination of 540 young Cambodians. The main objective of this event was, according to the Apsara National Authority (ANA), to promote rapprochement between the young generation and Buddhism.

The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Chum Kim Leng, Chief Monk of the Mohanikaya Order of Siem Reap Province and Chairman of the Council of Monks for Angkor Pagoda Affairs, Lok Chumteav Nhem Sakhorn SarKheng and Lok Chumteav Ke Suon Sophy Sarkha, as well as by many Buddhist devotees.

Visak Bochea is a festival that commemorates three important events in the life of the Buddha. This is the day of his birth, his enlightenment and his Nirvana. These three events occur on the full moon. On May 22, 2024, Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world celebrated this traditional festival, “Visak Bochea”.

More photographs here

Article and photos: Yi Sotha (ANA)