Quest for Dharma in the Land of Angkor: 328 Sons and Daughters Participate in an Ordination Ceremony at Wat Preah En Tep to Express Gratitude and Celebrate Visak Bochea

Angkor Resort: On the afternoon of Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on the historic grounds of Wat Preah En Tep (near Bayon Temple), a grand religious ceremony was organized: the “Hair Shaving, Hair Binding, and Ordination Ceremony for Sons and Daughters” involving 328 participants.

This meaningful ceremony was held with the high purpose of cultivating morality and virtue according to Buddhist principles among Khmer youth, serving as a noble act of gratitude toward parents, nation, religion, and the King. It was specifically organized to prepare for the celebration of Visak Bochea. This sacred festival commemorates the three great auspicious events of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Parinirvana.

After undergoing the traditional hair-shaving and hair-binding rituals, the sons who became novices (Samanera) and daughters who became practitioners (Silvati) will study disciplinary rules, practice Dharma-Vinaya, and strictly participate in various religious rites. This religious education course lasts for 5 days, from April 28 until Saturday, May 2, 2026.

The presence of hundreds of novices and practitioners in saffron robes and white precepts clothing—spreading an atmosphere of peace and clarity in front of the ancient temples—is not only a preservation of tradition but also a demonstration of the strength of “Living Heritage” in the Angkor Resort, which has remained the soul of the Khmer nation throughout history.