KH Ongoing

Chol Vossa (Rainy Retreat)

Chol Vossa, also known as the Rainy Retreat, is a significant annual Buddhist festival observed throughout Cambodia. During this three-month period, monks reside strictly within their temple compounds to focus on spiritual practices, while laypeople visit pagodas to offer essential supplies and ceremonial candles.

Date
Jul 30 - Oct 27, 2026
Location
Kingdom of Cambodia
Status
Ongoing
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Chol Vossa (Rainy Retreat)

Event summary

Highlights

  • Monks remain within temple compounds for a three-month period
  • Offering of Tean Vossa (large ceremonial candles) to local pagodas
  • Donation of robes, food supplies, and oil to support the monastic community
Chol Vossa marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent or Rainy Retreat in Cambodia. Running from late July through late October, the period is characterized by monastic seclusion where monks refrain from their usual morning alms rounds and remain within their respective pagodas. While they may accept daytime invitations from the faithful, they are traditionally required to return to the temple compound before nightfall.

Buddhist followers participate by visiting local pagodas to provide the monastic community with food, robes, and other necessities. A central tradition involves the offering of the Tean Vossa, a large ceremonial candle intended to remain lit throughout the duration of the retreat. This candle symbolizes spiritual guidance and the path toward enlightenment. The conclusion of this period is later celebrated as the Chegn Vossa festival.

Practical details

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Location map

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