The Rains Festival - a beautiful cultural tradition of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam.

Every year, on the full moon day of Pinh Boramey (according to the Khmer Buddhist calendar), Theravada Buddhist temples in Southern Vietnam in general and Can Tho City in particular solemnly organize the Banh Chol Pres Vassa ceremony (the Rains Retreat ceremony, also known as the Summer Retreat ceremony). This is a ritual that not only holds profound spiritual value but also represents a rich cultural identity of the Khmer people.

The ritual involves a procession carrying a large candle around the main temple.

At Serey Techo Mahatup Pagoda (Bat Pagoda) in Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City, the summer retreat ceremony was held solemnly and warmly. Hundreds of Buddhists, dressed in beautiful attire, gathered early, bringing candles, vegetarian meals, and other offerings to the monks. In the tranquil space of the Sala (lecture hall), the deep chanting of scriptures resonated, along with the shimmering light from the candles, creating a sacred and respectful atmosphere.

Mr. Son Phuong, a Buddhist in Phu Loi ward, shared: "The Rains Retreat ceremony is not only an occasion to offer gifts, but also a way for my family to preserve national culture and teach our children and grandchildren the principles of goodness, respect for Buddha, and reverence for teachers."

The Rains Retreat ceremony usually lasts for two main days. On the first day, Khmer Buddhist families offer large candles, symbolizing the light of wisdom, along with four essential items: oil, incense, robes, medicine, books, and rice. After the procession of offerings into the temple, the monks perform a prayer for peace and chant blessings for the Buddhists.

On the second day, the full moon of Khe-Asath, Buddhists from near and far come to the temple to observe the precepts, offer food and necessities to the monks. Following this, they procession three times around the main hall, offering candles and other gifts to the monks. This is a sacred moment, demonstrating their support for the Three Jewels and their reverence for the monastic community.

Venerable Lam Tu Linh, Deputy Abbot of Serey Techo Mahatup Temple, said: “The rainy season is a time for monks to focus on observing precepts, studying scriptures, practicing meditation, and maintaining compassion for all living beings during the rainy season, when life flourishes.”

During this rainy season retreat, many young Khmer people have decided to become monks. This year, according to Venerable Dinh Hoang Su, abbot of Serey Prochum Wongs Peam Buôl Thmây pagoda in Phu Loi ward, the pagoda has accepted two more young people who voluntarily entered monastic life, and there are currently more than 20 young people studying and practicing at the pagoda.

During the rainy season retreat, Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples often beat drums or trumpets twice a day: in the morning (from 4:30 to 5:00 AM) and in the afternoon (from 4:30 to 5:00 PM) to signal the start of religious ceremonies and remind Buddhists to proactively manage their daily lives, work, and family activities.

The Rains Retreat is not only an occasion for monks to study and practice, but also a space for community bonding. The festival carries profound humanistic significance, preserving Buddhist traditions while spreading moral values ​​and an optimistic spirit to the lives of the Khmer community today.

Text and photos: THACH PICH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/le-nhap-ha-net-dep-van-hoa-cua-dong-bao-khmer-nam-bo-a188416.html