Phnom Penh Governor Offers Donations to Monks for Rainy Season Retreat

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, along with his wife Chea Sina Khuong Sreng and officials from the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, has distributed Vassa candles, cash, and other donations to monks residing in 151 pagodas and 5 Buddhist halls in the capital for their three-month Rainy Season Retreat (Vassa). The ceremony took place on the morning of July 27, 2026, at Chand Phori Vong Pagoda in Samrong commune, Prek Pnov district, Phnom Penh. For the 151 pagodas and 5 Buddhist halls across Phnom Penh, Governor Khuong Sreng and his wife, along with municipal officials, presented each with 300,000 Riel in cash, a pair of Vassa candles, 100 kilograms of rice, one piece of Sadok (robe material), 25 kilograms of sugar, one case of canned milk (48 cans), five cases of orange juice, five cases of mineral water, five cases of instant noodles, and one case of canned sardines (100 cans). The Vassa ceremony is held annually, commencing from the first day of the waxing moon of the month of Asanha until the full moon of the month of Assoj. Traditionally, the ceremony begins on the evening of the 15th day of the waxing moon of Asanha, with devotees participating in a procession of Vassa candles, robes, and other necessities around the temple, followed by sermons and the offering of these items to the monks. On this occasion, Venerable Samdech Preah Bodhivong Noy Chruk, First Deputy Sangkarean of the Kingdom of Cambodia, offered blessings to Governor Khuong Sreng, his wife Chea Sina Khuong Sreng, their children, and all officials of the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, praying that they be blessed with the fourfold Buddhist blessings of longevity, beauty, happiness, and strength. During this three-month Vassa period, Buddhist citizens customarily offer meals, food, and other essential items to support the monks residing in pagodas throughout this time. Source: CEN Cambodia