05/10/2018
Ancestors Day - Pchum Ben Oct 8th, 9th & 10th
Pchum Ben is the most important religious holiday in the country. Cambodian people have a deep respect for their ancestors, grandparents and parents, Pchum Ben is a time for honouring ancestors, for up to seven generations before.
Pchum Ben lasts for 15 days with the last three being public holidays. Over this time many people return to their villages and homelands to visit their pagodas and places close to where their family members have passed away.
During the Pchum Ben in the early hours of the morning people visit their pagodas with offerings for the monks. Small balls of food are thrown outside the pagoda to feed the ghosts of family members who have committed sins and are unable to enter the temple.
This is a time for family to come together and honour the past generations. It is a reminder to bring food to the monks and it is believed this tradition teaches children a respect for their family and elders.