The Mystery of the Khmer Sen Dolta Festival

It originated from the ancient beliefs of the Khmer people in the Phum slash Soc. Before Theravada Buddhism was introduced to southern Vietnam. Southern Vietnam was once a flooded land, where people often traveled by boat. And mainly made their living from wet rice farming. In the old rice growing tradition. Local people began planting at the start of the year. From the beginning of the rainy season on the Khmer calendar until Sundolta arrived. When the sowing season was complete. With fieldwork put aside. The Khmer community often gathered. To visit their grandparents and parents living far away. And brought local gifts. Such as homemade cakes, fruit, and more. Therefore, in the customs of the Khmer community in southern Vietnam. Every year, from the 29th day of the 8th lunar month to the 1st day of the 9th lunar month. Families joyfully hold Sundolta. Also known as the ancestor worship ceremony. To honor the merits of their parents and pray for blessings for their spirits. For deceased relatives and to thank their ancestors who opened up the land. Asking them to protect the Phum slash Soc. So it may live in peace and prosperity. In Khmer, Sin means offering. Don means grandmother. And Ta means grandfather. For the Khmer people, Sundolta is a festival of filial gratitude. Showing sincere respect for their deceased ancestors. This festival is always carefully prepared by the Khmer community. Usually, each family sends one or two members to help the pagoda. With the preparations for the festival, such as. Hanging flags, clearing weeds, cleaning the stupa grounds, repainting the towers, and arranging offerings. Families also take the time to clean their homes and ancestral altars. And prepare many traditional dishes to offer their ancestors. Depending on each family's finances. The preparations may vary, but the offerings are usually simple. Familiar dishes that reflect the southern Khmer people. According to tradition, Sundolta is held over half a month. With four main rituals. The sticky rice offering bought by Ben. The Sandolta ancestor worship. The Trung Ben welcoming ritual. And the Chundolta farewell ritual. Today, however, the festival takes place over three days. From the 29th day of the 8th lunar month. To the 11th day of the 9th lunar month. With many changes to suit modern life. While still preserving its traditional character. On the first day, each family cleans the house. And thoroughly wipes the ancestral altar. Then prepares trays of rice, cakes, fruit, wine, and tea. And invites all family members to light incense and candles. And pray for the spirits of their ancestors and the deceased. To come and share the meal with their descendants. By afternoon, everyone dresses neatly. And prepares another tray for the ancestors. They then invite their ancestor spirits to the pagoda. To hear the monks chant prayers for the dead. And give teachings until evening. In addition, the ACHA prepares sticky rice cakes on ritual trays. Invites the monks to chant for the souls of the deceased. Then takes them outside. And places them around the shrine. To offer to lonely spirits with no descendants. On the second day, at midday. The Khmer people prepare trays of rice and cakes. And bring them to the pagoda for the main communal offering. After the monks chant sutras. To pray for the souls of all the ancestors in the Phum Slash Soc. The Khmer Buddhist families in the Phum Slash Soc share a meal. Exchange farming tips. And enjoy festivities at the pagoda. In the evening, before the ancestors return home. They prepare a fresh meal as an offering. And invite the ancestors to stay. And witness their descendants prosperous life. On the third day, each family prepares a meal. They invite monks and relatives from the Phum Slash Soc. To join the prayer ceremony. To see off the departed souls. As for the offerings for the ancestors and deceased relatives. The families make a boat from banana trunks. Fitted with two flags. Along with two effigies symbolizing the ancestors. And offer a little of everything. There are also bags of rice, salt, clothes, money, and joss paper. Then the family lights incense and candles. And carries the boat to the river or canal near the house. To send the ancestors and deceased relatives back to the other world. During Sundolta, besides the offerings at home. All the important rituals take place at the pagoda. Under the pagoda roof shared by the whole Phum Slash Soc. Everyone turns their hearts toward the Buddha's land. Remembers their ancestors. And hopes for a better future.