APAD 014: Entrance
I like the elaborate design of this entrance. This pagoda is located in Prek Phnov, Russei Keo district, just a few kilometers away from the public market.
At the entrance, an archway carved with giant images facing the four directions greet visitors to this temple.
The design is a replica of the images found at Bayon Temple in Siem Reap while the arch features mythical creatures atop elephants. The beautiful kbach design that is characteristically Khmer is also carved on the arch.
APAD 013: Preparing for Pchum Ben
It is Pchum Ben once again Cambodia. It’s the time of the year when chaotic Phnom Penh empties out as most residents go back to their homelands to celebrate this religious celebration.
Pchum Ben is the festival for commemorating the spirits of the dead. The faithful Buddhists go to different wats (temples) in their hometowns to offer prayer and food to their ancestors. It is somewhat similar to the Catholic’s celebration of All Soul’s Day, but the celebration of Pchum Ben lasts longer, for 15 days.
Anyway, since Pchum Ben is two weeks away, there are now activities at the wats. Achars (layman) and elder women start decorating the wats, putting up banners and such, like what you see in this picture:
The statues have been scrubbed washed and are now immaculately clean.
Did you know that the Cambodian Catholic community celebrate All Soul’s Day during the Pchum Ben? Traditionally, the Catholics celebrate All Soul’s Day every 2nd of November but here the date was “adjusted” to coincide with the country’s traditional holding of Pchum Ben.
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