Kampong Speu Province Holds Salak Phut Ceremony for Rainy Season Monks

Kampong Speu, September 13, 2026 -- A "Salak Phut" ceremony was held at Munirongsey Rattanamom Temple (commonly known as Mom Khang Cheung Temple) in Kampong Speu province, with the participation of many local leaders and Buddhist followers. This ceremony is a traditional ritual to offer robes and other necessities to monks who are concluding their three-month rainy season retreat (Vassa). Among the attendees were Ms. Meng Vandy, personal advisor to HE Dr. Cheam Yiep, and her wife, Ms. Chhon Sakhon (Cheng Ngim), who is the mother of HE Dr. Cheam Chansophoan, the Governor of Kampong Speu province. Adhering to Buddhist traditions, the "Salak Phut" ceremony aims to support monks during their Vassa period and to preserve and promote Buddhism, which is the state religion, for greater prosperity and longevity. It also serves as an opportunity for local authorities, leaders, civil servants, and the general public to unite in supporting the monastic community and accumulating merit. "Salak Phut" is a form of offering where the recipient monk is not pre-determined but is chosen by drawing lots. This practice was established during the time of the Buddha to ensure fairness in offerings and to avoid favoritism towards any particular monk. This ritual allows donors to offer alms to monks generally, without discrimination or preference, ensuring that all monks receive equally. Following the Buddha's example, it enables devotees to express their faith by supporting the monastic community impartially. Offerings made with a pure heart, free from prejudice, are believed to bring immense merit. As the drawing of lots is random, the offering is detached from greed, anger, or delusion in selecting the monk. Finally, merit was dedicated to ancestors of seven generations and to all armed forces personnel who sacrificed their lives for the cause of defending national territorial integrity and sovereignty. Source: AKP Khmer