Ratanakiri Province: Buddhist Devotees and Political Figures Connect During Rainy Season Observances

Ratanakiri Province – On Sunday morning, August 2, 2026, His Excellency Sao Savoeun, Commander of the Provincial Gendarmerie and Head of the Working Group for Andoung Meas District, along with district and commune party officials, led a delegation to offer rain retreat candles, other offerings, and cash to three pagodas within Andoung Meas District. These pagodas are Silasuvan Kunga Pagoda (Andoung Meas Pagoda), Udomkiry Ratanaram Pagoda (Nyang Pagoda), and Mahaprom Ratanaram Pagoda (Talao Pagoda). During the occasion, HE Sao Savoeun highlighted the significance of the rain retreat ceremony, emphasizing it as a noble tradition of Buddhism. He stated that this ceremony not only continues cultural heritage but also provides essential support to the monks residing in the pagodas for the full three-month period, enabling them to practice Dharma and Vinaya sufficiently. The event saw Buddhist devotees gather to pay homage to the Triple Gem, observe precepts, and invite monks to chant blessings. These prayers were offered to dedicate merit to ancestors and relatives who have passed away, wishing them to receive the benefits derived from the good deeds performed during this time. Each of the three pagodas received the following offerings: a set of betel nut and areca nut, one pair of rain retreat candles, four sacks of rice, one case of fish sauce, one case of soy sauce, one case of cooking oil, four cases of instant noodles, five cases of soft drinks, five cases of purified water, and 850,000 Riel in cash. The total expenditure for this event, including donations to elders and local residents, amounted to 6,380,000 Riel.