I went to the celebration around 17:00, quite happy to get an opportunity to get out here a little bit, while Bhante stayed at the Ashram, as it was raining, not so healthy and a wet robe would make for long troubles.
Chanroth's mother seemed in quite bad condition, lying in her bed, eyes closed most of the time and seeming quite absent with a mostly grim expression, with some caring and worried women around her, trying to cheer up and provide comfort, while the celebration was going on outside.
Chanroth guided me to sit with some older upasakas and upasikas in front of the platform for the visiting monks, gave me cola and asked me if I wanted to eat, which I declined. The friendly old monk from the North monastery that I already knew was already there. After greeting, I offered him 3-in-1 instant coffee and chocolate that I had brought from here. Then, after some friendly talk and introduction with the people around, Chanroth was quite busy and not seen for some time. The older people around me were all very friendly and smiling, and talking to me a little bit which I of course did not understand, but it was enough to be comfortable.
Others were eating on tables nearby, arriving guests brought gifts to the dadas at the entrance and music was played.
Three other monks, two younger and one older, soon arrived.
Some good two hours of sitting and enduring the sitting and chanting, back and forth between the monks and the laypeople in front guided by the leader with the microphone, while incense and candles were lighted in front of an altar, drinks and tonics were served to the monks and money donations collected.
In the end, all very tired, the monks and remaining guests left. I was brought with Chanroth and some others, including the young monks from the South monastery in a car and dropped off at the path to the Ashram, already quite late, around 21:00.
I made some photos. But the i-phone and upload function in DokuWiki (both having their own deficiencies) don't work well together. Tried to upload until battery was empty without even one picture so far successfully uploaded. Maybe will be possible later.
May Chanroth's mother get well and develop wholesome mindstates that would lead to a good destination.