Pchum Ben, which occurs on the 15th day of the 10th Khmer month, commences a 15-day religious festival in Cambodia on October 13 of this year. Cambodian Buddhists hold the belief that for a period of fifteen days each year, the spirits of their ancestors are relinquished. Souls commence their journey to purgatory, the intermediate realm that is neither hell nor paradise, at Pchum Ben. The trajectory of their expedition shall be determined by the intercession of their live relatives during Pchum Ben and their karma. This celebration commences following the conclusion of Buddhist Lent. Foods are prepared for the monks to consume during this time in order to amass merits that will benefit the deceased.
The background of Pchum Ben
Cambodians observe the 15-day Pchum Ben ceremony in remembrance of their seventh generation of ancestors. “Kan Ben” refers to the initial fourteen days of the festival, during which families congregate at nearby pagodas to pray to their progenitors for protection against negative karma and to offer them sustenance. It is believed that departed relatives await the return of their departed loved ones at the pagodas.
On Day 15, families present “Ben Thom” with containers brimming with flowers, while children present sticky rice cake to the monks. On this day, the festival’s primary event, everyone dons formal attire. Cambodians believe that their demeanor as ghosts after death is determined by their actions on earth. Through the observance of Pchum Ben, the family ensures that their ancestors do not curse them and gains an improved existence by means of prayer and food offerings.
The festival, which has its origins in the Middle Ages, is one of Cambodia’s most significant celebrations. Present day employees and pupils return to their families to observe Pchum Ben and present offerings.
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5 facts concerning PCHUM BEN
Pchum Ben is a highly significant Buddhist festival in Cambodia due to the fact that it reunites families that have been separated for an extended period of time across provinces.
“Pchum” translates to “to assemble,” while “Ben” denotes “a food ball.”
Young people are instructed at the festival on how to properly honor their relatives.
The final day of the ceremony and the most significant day of Pchum Ben occurs on the fifteenth day.
In Cambodia, the funeral hue is white.
PCHUM BEN DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | October 5 | Tuesday |
| 2022 | September 24 | Saturday |
| 2023 | October 13 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
