On our first day in the Cambodian city of Battambang, we discovered that it was a special day for Theravada Buddhists, the sect that practices in southeast Asia. Today, February 5th coincides with the full moon of the third lunar month, Makha Busha (Magha Puja) or Sangha Day. This holy day commemorates the meeting of 1250 of the Buddha's enlightened disciples, who after the Buddha's death, created a community or Sangha to spread the teachings (Dharma). We entered the Piphetthearam Pagoda (monastery), joined the attendees circling the temple and sat with the group while the monks chanted as the sun set. Each of us were given a bowl of lotus petals which we showered upon the monks as part of the ceremony to acknowledge the community.
At dusk candles were lit accompanied by a single monk's beautiful haunting chants.
Video clip of the lit candles with chant:
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