Pchum Ben: Cambodia's festival of the ancestors
Pchum Ben is a 15-day Buddhist festival when Cambodians honour their ancestors with offerings at pagodas. Learn its meaning, rituals and how visitors can respect it.
In this guide
Pchum Ben is one of the most important religious festivals in Cambodia. For 15 days, usually in September or October, Cambodians visit pagodas to make offerings for the spirits of their ancestors and relatives. The festival ends with public holidays, when many people travel to their home villages.
The meaning
According to Khmer Buddhist belief, during this period the gates of the spirit world open, and the spirits of the dead, including those who may be suffering, return to search for offerings from their relatives. By making offerings at pagodas, families can ease their ancestors' suffering and make merit for themselves.
The 15 days
- Kan Ben (the first 14 days): families take turns bringing food to their local pagoda, offering it to monks and the spirits.
- Pchum Ben day (the 15th day): the main day, when families gather at pagodas to make offerings together. "Pchum" means gathering and "ben" refers to the offering of rice balls.
Rituals
- Bay ben: before dawn, people throw or place balls of sticky rice, sometimes mixed with sesame or coconut, around the pagoda grounds for hungry spirits.
- Offerings to monks: families bring food, flowers, incense and other gifts.
- Prayers and chanting: monks chant through the night and in the early morning.
- Visiting several pagodas: some families visit seven pagodas during the festival.
When is it?
Pchum Ben follows the lunar calendar, falling in the Khmer month of Phatrabot, usually in September or October. Check the exact dates for your travel year.
How visitors can respect it
- Visit a pagoda early in the morning to see the ceremonies, quietly and respectfully.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering buildings.
- Ask before taking photos.
- Don't treat the festival as a tourist show.
Travel tips
- Expect busy roads and crowded transport before and after the public holidays.
- Many businesses in Phnom Penh close as people travel home.
- Accommodation in popular areas may be busier.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists attend Pchum Ben ceremonies?
Yes, respectfully. Visitors are welcome to watch at pagodas, especially in the early morning. Dress modestly and avoid intrusive photography.