A tonsuring ceremony for 102 people to celebrate Visak Bochea Day was held at Tep Pranom pagoda in the area of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province on May 12.

According to a news release of the APSARA National Authority, the event is aimed to help educate, moralise and promote Buddhism for young Cambodians who want to learn about the Dharma in Buddhism and psychological education.

This tonsuring ceremony was presided over by Venerable Chum Kim Leng, Chief Monk of Siem Reap province, Ms. You Sophea, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province, and Mr. Phon Phalla, representative of H.E. Dr. Hang Peou, Director-General of the APSARA National Authority as well as Buddhists from other places.

Venerable Lach Leang, the Vice-Chief Monk of Siem Reap city, stated that this tonsuring ceremony gives young Cambodians a chance to show their gratitude to their parents, the king, and the leaders of the country. In addition, it is for the descendants of the Khmer people to know how to give up things that are doing differently from the path of the Dharma of the Buddha and to accept the education and guidance of parents, and teachers to become good children, good students, good friends, good citizens and good Buddhists as well.

"The tonsuring ceremony is a tradition of the ancestors left in the society for a long time. The next generation of Cambodians must take care of and continue this legacy not to be lost," he added.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press