Khmer Buddhist Temple in HCMC Holds Rain-Soaking Robe and Lantern Offering Ceremony

A traditional ceremony offering robes and daily necessities to monks was held at the Chantarangsay Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City on July 29, with nearly 100 followers participating in the rain-soaking robe and lantern offering ceremony, following the traditional Southern Khmer Theravada Buddhist rituals. The ceremony precedes the monks' "An Cu Kiet Ha" (rainy season retreat), a period where monks temporarily halt their travels and focus on spiritual practice at a fixed temple. During this time, followers bring offerings such as robes, toothpaste, shampoo, blankets, and mats to support the monks' three-month retreat. Prior to the main rituals, followers listened to a Dharma talk by Venerable Châu Hoài Thái. He explained the significance of the lantern and robe offerings, and the merit followers can accumulate by supporting the monks. "An Cu is a time to reflect on oneself, to perfect oneself, thereby bringing benefits to the community and society," he stated. Following the Dharma talk, participants engaged in the "Nhiễu Phật" (circumambulation) ritual, walking around the main sanctuary three times. Subsequently, offerings were presented to approximately 20 monks currently studying at the temple. Danh Trường An, a Khmer follower, shared that a 1.5-meter-long lantern, purchased for 2.6 million VND, bore the names of his family members, symbolizing their collective offering and wish for peace. He described the lantern as a representation of the light of wisdom and Buddhist teachings, and the offering as an expression of devotion and a prayer for clarity, peace, and blessings for his family. The ceremony concluded with monks sprinkling water on the attendees. In Khmer belief, water is considered a conduit for good fortune, blessings, purification from negativity, and the reception of luck, health, and prosperous harvests. The Chantarangsay temple, established in 1946, is the first Khmer temple in Ho Chi Minh City. It hosts major traditional Khmer Buddhist festivals throughout the year, including Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year), Vesak (Buddha's Birthday), Ok Om Bok (Rằm tháng Mười), and Sene Dolta (Ancestor Commemoration). As of 2023, Ho Chi Minh City is home to over 42,000 Khmer people, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in the city alongside the Hoa and Cham communities, contributing significantly to its cultural diversity.