Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most sacred and important religious festivals, dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. Celebrated over 15 days, with the final three days being the most significant, Pchum Ben falls in September or October, depending on the Khmer lunar calendar. It is a time when Cambodians visit pagodas, make food offerings to monks, and pay respects to their ancestors, believing that during this period, the spirits of the dead return to seek blessings from the living.

Historical and Religious Origins

The origins of Pchum Ben trace back over a thousand years, deeply rooted in Theravāda Buddhism and ancient Khmer traditions. The festival is linked to the Buddhist belief in karma and reincarnation, emphasizing that the spirits of the deceased—especially those who may have accumulated bad karma in past lives—are unable to move on and are instead wandering in suffering. According to legend, the festival began as a way for the living to offer food to these lost souls, helping them find peace.

The tradition of feeding spirits is believed to have been practiced since the Angkorian era (9th–15th century) and was institutionalized as part of Cambodian Buddhism. Monks perform special chants and prayers to ease the suffering of these spirits, ensuring they receive merit to progress toward a better reincarnation.

How Pchum Ben Is Celebrated

Pchum Ben lasts for 15 days, known as the Kan Ben period, during which families take turns offering food at local pagodas. The last three days, culminating in Ben Thom (Great Offering Day), are the most important. Cambodians wake up early to bring rice balls, sweet treats, and other traditional foods to temples, where they make merit in memory of their ancestors.

One unique aspect of Pchum Ben is the ritual of scattering rice, where people throw rice onto temple grounds at dawn, believing that wandering spirits who cannot enter the pagoda will still be able to receive food.

A Time for Family and Reflection

Pchum Ben is more than just a religious festival—it is a time of family reunions, reflection, and gratitude. Cambodians travel long distances to their hometowns, ensuring they honor their ancestors properly. It is a moment of spiritual cleansing, reinforcing the Buddhist teachings of compassion, respect, and the impermanence of life.

For visitors, Pchum Ben offers a rare insight into Cambodia’s deep spiritual traditions, where centuries-old beliefs continue to shape the country’s cultural identity.