October 1

Pchum Ben

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Pchum Ben! Honour ancestors, embrace spirituality and experience Cambodian culture at its finest.

Type

Day

Introduction

Step into a world of rich Cambodian traditions and deep-rooted spirituality on Pchum Ben, celebrated on October 1. This revered holiday, also known as Ancestors' Day, dates back to the Angkor era when the powerful Khmer Empire dominated much of Southeast Asia. The 15-day period of Pchum Ben is a time for Cambodians to pay their respects to deceased relatives of up to 7 generations. This spiritually profound celebration is intricately linked with the Buddhist belief in Karma. The high point of the celebrations comes on the final day with sacred ceremonies in temples all over the country. Join us as we immerse ourselves in this remarkable festival and experience, firsthand, the beauty of Cambodian culture!

Pchum Ben Timeline

802

Beginning of the Khmer Empire

The Khmer Empire is established, marking the start of a period rich in cultural and religious traditions including ancestor veneration which eventually became Pchum Ben.

12th Century

Angkor Wat Construction

Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built. Its religious significance and ceremonial practices influenced the celebration of Pchum Ben.

1431

Fall of the Khmer Empire

With the fall of the Khmer Empire, ancestral ceremonies like Pchum Ben persisted and continued to evolve under Theravada Buddhism influence.

1863

Cambodia Under French Rule

Despite Cambodia becoming a protectorate of France, traditional cultural ceremonies like Pchum Ben continued to be celebrated.

1975

Pchum Ben Banned by Khmer Rouge

The brutal Khmer Rouge regime banned traditional religious practices, including Pchum Ben, as part of their radical agenda.

1980s

Return of Pchum Ben

After the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, Pchum Ben, along with other cultural and religious practices, experienced a revival.

How to Celebrate Pchum Ben

1 Visit a local Pagoda

During Pchum Ben, pagodas are bustling with activity as locals come to make offerings to the spirits of their deceased ancestors. Visiting a local pagoda during this time provides an opportunity to witness these deeply spiritual moments and understand the importance of this tradition.

2 Prepare traditional food offerings

Immerse in the Cambodian culture by learning to cook traditional food that is typically offered to ancestors during Pchum Ben. Families often prepare special dishes such as num ansorm and bay ben, which are viewed as favourite meals of the spirits.

3 Join in a Bay Ben tossing

Bay Ben is one of the most special events associated with Pchum Ben, where balls of rice are tossed into the air before dawn to feed ancestor's spirits. Participating in this unique ritual can be an unforgettable way to connect with Cambodian culture and tradition.

4 Dress in traditional Cambodian attire

Dressing in traditional Cambodian attire is another way to honor the Pchum Ben. White is the traditional color worn during this period, symbolizing purity and reverence. Try wearing a traditional Cambodian 'sampot' or 'sarong', a long, fabric skirt usually worn by women, or a 'krama', a special type of scarf often worn by men.

5 Volunteer at a community event

Local communities often host various events during Pchum Ben. Volunteering at these events not only gives a firsthand experience of the festival, but also offers an opportunity to understand and respect the significance of Pchum Ben. It serves as a memorable way to engage with locals and gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodian culture.

Why Pchum Ben is Important

It's a celebration of Cambodian culture and traditions

Pchum Ben allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in Cambodian traditions and ceremonies. The festival's colorful rituals, traditional attire, and unique practices offer a firsthand experience of the country's rich cultural heritage.

It provides an opportunity to honor and remember our ancestors

Pchum Ben is a festival of remembrance and respect. It allows us to show gratitude and pay our respects to our ancestors. During this time, we can remember their contributions to our lives and express our deep appreciation.

It fosters a sense of community

Pchum Ben is a significant community-oriented festivity. The festival enables us to bond with fellow attendees, share experiences and create lasting memories through community events and volunteer opportunities. Pchum Ben solidifies community relationships through shared respect for this momentous tradition.