Cambodian Students Pray for Success in High School Exams at Angkor Shrines

In Siem Reap province, Cambodia, a large number of students preparing for their high school exit examinations, known as Bak Doob, are flocking to the sacred sites of Preah Chek Preah Chom and Lok Yeay Tep, located near the Angkor temples, to pray for success and peace of mind. These young individuals are offering prayers to the ancient sacred powers, seeking to overcome their anxiety and achieve good results in the upcoming examinations scheduled for August 10th and 11th. They are praying for passing the exams, possessing strong mental fortitude, and remaining healthy throughout the examination period. The students believe that the ancestral spirits of the Angkor land, and particularly the sacred powers of Preah Chek Preah Chom and Lok Yeay Tep, will watch over them and fulfill their wishes. This act of prayer is not solely for the exams but is a traditional Cambodian custom that has been practiced for generations by many people. According to a report from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, a total of 11,486 students from Siem Reap province will take the exams. The examinations will be held across 16 venues with 471 classrooms. Science streams will have 5 venues (131 classrooms), and social science streams will have 11 venues (340 classrooms). Every year, as the high school exit examinations approach, many students are observed visiting these sacred sites, offering incense, candles, and flowers, and praying for good results in their exams. This is a traditional practice aimed at securing a passing grade, regardless of the specific distinction. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer