Pchum Ben or Ancestors' Day 2024 in Cambodia

Pchum Ben is one of the biggest religious festivals in Cambodia, which traditionally starts between September and October (the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar). It features a unique tradition of feeding monks in temples to appease hungry ghosts. These spirits are believed to have large stomachs and are always hungry, so feeding them is seen as a way to bring merit to one's ancestors. On this day, devotees dress in white as a symbol of mourning and carry abundant food to the temples, seeking blessings from the monks.

The Festival

This festival is divided into two parts. The 14 days from one Roach to fourteen Roach are known as "Kan Ben" or, in Pali, "Vora Phoat." During this time, Buddhists visit the pagoda for 14 turns to hold Ben. Children prepare gifts for their elders, who enter Ben in their respective pagodas. People develop their Dharma, recite precepts, and perform merits such as serving monks and cleaning temples. At night, drinks are given to monks and elders practicing rituals, followed by worship and merit-generating ceremonies. Early morning prayers include the Prabhupada Sutra, and offerings are made to monks, dedicating the merit to ancestors and relatives who have passed away.

Pchum Ben Day (October 1, 2024)

On the pinnacle day of Pchum Ben, Cambodians undertake a meaningful journey, visiting at least three pagodas and locations significant to their ancestors. They must reach the pagodas before 11:00 am to ensure the monks receive their food in time, as monks do not eat after noon. The day begins early, around 4:00 am, with people preparing food, fruit, and rice. They make small food balls to carry to the pagoda, where they gently toss them outside the temple. This practice is for ancestors who, due to past transgressions, are believed to be unable to enter the temple in spirit form and can only consume food prepared by their descendants. These offerings are made to appease them, as it is believed that if these spirits don't see their relatives bringing food, they might become angry—a situation everyone wishes to avoid.

Locations

One of the best places to experience the traditions of the Cambodian Day of the Dead is Wat Langka in Phnom Penh. Dating back to 1442, it is one of the oldest and most important pagodas in the city. In the Siem Reap area, Pchum Ben is celebrated at various temples, including the modern Wat Preah Prohm Rath temple and the historic Wat Bo temple across the river. Angkor Wat, the iconic landmark, is another site where you can witness Pchum Ben rituals. This popular location attracts many locals making their offerings, so expect it to be quite crowded.