Former PM Hun Sen's Wife Donates to Buddhist Monasteries for Rainy Season Observance

On the afternoon of July 30, 2026, Dr. Pich Chanmony, wife of Prime Minister Hun Manet, representing Bun Rany Hun Sen, wife of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, along with leaders and many Buddhist followers, offered rainy season candles, donations, and financial contributions to the monks residing at Chhumpoh K'aek Pagoda (also known as Munisovan Pagoda) in Phnom Penh. This offering was made to the Supreme Patriarch of the Mohanikay Buddhist sect of Cambodia, His Holiness Am Limheng, and all monks observing the rainy season retreat. The Rainy Season Observance (Vassa) is a significant festival in Buddhism, lasting for three months from the new moon of the month of Asadha to the full moon of the month of Assuj. This period is stipulated by the Buddha for monks and novices to reside within monasteries. During this time, they dedicate themselves to studying scriptures, adhering to monastic discipline, and practicing Vipassanā meditation. It also serves to mitigate the hardships of alms rounds during the rainy season, avoiding travel in the rain and preventing damage to newly sprouted rice seedlings of farmers. Throughout the Vassa period, Buddhist followers customarily bring offerings such as candles, lamp oil, incense, daily necessities, food, and financial contributions to the monks and novices. These donations are intended to support their daily needs and religious practices until the end of the rainy season, enabling them to focus on their spiritual development without material concerns.