Meak Bochea

The Buddha's discourse in Rajagaha Valuwan Vihara, where 1,250 monks gathered to hear him speak, is commemorated by Meak Bochea.

According to legend, this was a watershed point in the history of Buddhism, when the Buddha asked his audience to disseminate the Buddhist ideas. On the same day of his death, he delivered another sermon. Meak Bochea is observed on the full moon of the Khmer lunar calendar's third month, which normally occurs in January or February. It is Cambodia's first religious holiday of the year. Processions and meditations are held to commemorate the occasion. People go to Buddhist temples to participate in candle, incense stick, and flower ceremonies.

Meak Bochea Day is one of the most famous festivals for Buddhist monks in Cambodia and an extremely devout event, but there are still things for non-Buddhist travelers to see and do during this period that they will remember for the rest of their lives. You'll learn about Meak Bochea Day customs in particular, as well as Cambodian cultural customs in general.

Date: February 16