Abtract

Studying about the Sen Dolta festival of the Khmer people with four main rites at the temple and at each Khmer family which are the rice ball rite (Banh Canh Banh), the ancestor worshiping rite (Banh Sen Dolta), the festival (Banh Phchum Banh) and the ancestor farewell rite (Banh Chuônh Dolta), the author points out that the outstanding philosophical values of the Khmers in this festival are the spirit of filial piety toward ancestors, grandparents and parents. Accordingly, the author finds it essential to preserve and promote these values in order to diversify the spiritual and cultural life of Khmer compatriots and to make more prosperous and healthier not only at the present but also in the future.

Keyword: Festival, Sen Dolta, filial piety, Khmer.