Pchum Ben 2025: How Cambodia Honors Its Ancestors

Pchum Ben, known as the Festival of the Dead, is one of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations in Cambodia and among Khmer communities in Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. Unlike Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmay), which is a time of renewal and joy, Pchum Ben is focused on remembrance and spiritual devotion, honoring ancestors through prayers, offerings, and merit-making. So, what should you do during Pchum Ben's three most important days? Don't worry, we’re here to help! We’ll take you through its rich history, meaningful traditions, and the best places to experience this deeply spiritual celebration.

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 19-03-2025

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Table of contents

When is Pchum Ben Celebrated?
Why Do Cambodians and Khmer People Celebrate Pchum Ben?
Day 1: Welcoming Ancestors
Day 2: Sharing Time with Ancestors
Day 3: Farewell to Ancestors
Where to celebrate Pchum Ben?
What to do as an expat during Pchum Ben
FAQs

When is Pchum Ben Celebrated?

Pchum Ben is observed annually for 15 days, culminating on the 15th day of the 10th month in the Khmer lunar calendar (typically in September or October in the Gregorian calendar). In 2025, it will begin on September 21.

Buddhists in Cambodia hold that during these 15 days, the spirits of the deceased are freed and sent to purgatory, where their destiny is decided by their karma and the sacrifices made by their living kin.

The festival is widely celebrated across Cambodia, with major observances taking place at Buddhist temples (wats). Pchum Ben is most celebrated in Phnom Penh in Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom and Wat Langka.

pchum ben festival — *The festival is widely celebrated across Cambodia, with major observances taking place at Buddhist temples (wats)*

Why Do Cambodians and Khmer People Celebrate Pchum Ben?

What is "Pchum" and "Ben"?

In Khmer, “Pchum” means “meeting” or “reunion,” reflecting the belief in a strong connection between ancestors and descendants. “Ben” refers to a ball of food. Historically, the Khmer people believed hungry spirits would return to the pagoda to eat, so they used these bowls to collect food and rice.

Some food would be offered to the spirits, and the rest would be given to the monks. Today, many people no longer scatter rice, as it is considered wasteful, and instead offer it to the poor.

*Pagodas distribute leftover Pchum Benh food to the needy*

The meaning of Pchum Ben - Ancestors’ Day

Pchum Ben is rooted in ancestral veneration customs and Khmer Buddhist beliefs. It is believed that during this time, spirits can return to the human world as the gates of the afterlife open.
The living show their respect and gratitude to their ancestors through food offerings, prayers, and charitable deeds to ensure their loved ones' peaceful transition and well-being in the afterlife.

pchum ben afterlife — *The living show their respect and gratitude to their ancestors*

Through merit-making endeavors like feeding the poor, giving to monks, and participating in religious ceremonies, Pchum Ben also functions as a time for karma purification. Spirits in lower realms are said to suffer less as a result of these deeds of kindness.

Pchum Ben is also a time for family get-togethers, where family members cook together, visit temples, and tell tales of their ancestors in an effort to preserve Khmer cultural customs.

pchum ben festival meaning

How many days does Pchum Ben last?

During the first 14 days of the festival, known as "Kan Ben" (also known as “Dak Ben” or “Ben Thom”), families visit pagodas to offer food and prayers to monks.

The most spiritually significant days are the final three, which are characterized by intricate rituals and communal meetings. It's also a public holiday these days, and Cambodians go back to their hometowns to celebrate with their loved ones.

pchum ben

Day 1: Welcoming Ancestors

The first day of Pchum Ben is dedicated to welcoming the spirits of deceased relatives. Families clean and decorate their homes, prepare Bay Ben (sticky rice balls), and visit temples to offer food and alms to Buddhist monks.

A unique ritual of Pchum Ben involves throwing rice balls outside temple gates or into fields. Khmer people believe that some spirits, especially those suffering in lower realms, cannot enter temples, and these food offerings ensure they are not left hungry.

Temples are filled with the sounds of Buddhist chanting, as monks recite sacred texts to help guide the spirits toward enlightenment. In order to pray for and provide salvation to departed souls, monks alternately recite sutras in Pali day and night during the festival season.

pchum ben festival meaning — *The first day of Pchum Ben is dedicated to welcoming the spirits of deceased relatives.*

The "opening of hell's gates," a religious ceremony held during the festival, is meant to assist souls going through agony in hellish realms. During the festival period, this ritual enables these uneasy spirits to return to visit their descendants and relatives, temporarily avoiding their punishment. Devotees will light incense and candles, and reinforce their prayers for their ancestors.

Good to know: According to tradition, the crocodile flag displayed outside homes during Pchum Ben wards off evil spirits, preventing disturbances during sacred ceremonies.
As spirits are believed to roam freely during this time, with some becoming hungry ghosts (preta) due to bad karma, the presence of sacred banners may help ensure that only benevolent spirits receive offerings.

Pchum Ben flag

On the second day of Cambodia's Pchum Ben festival, Khmer families continue their temple visits, bringing larger offerings such as rice, fruits, and traditional desserts. It is believed that ancestors recognize their living relatives by the food they offer, making it important to prepare dishes once enjoyed by deceased loved ones.

Pchum Ben meals — *It is believed that ancestors recognize their living relatives by the food they offer*

Monks play an important role as spiritual intermediaries between the living and the dead. During Pchum Ben, it is customary to give alms to the monks as a sign of respect and appreciation for them and to represent the layperson's role as a guardian of the Dharma. People can also use it to build up merit, which they can then dedicate to their living relatives and ancestors.

It is believed that ancestors recognize their living relatives by the food they offer — *During Pchum Ben, it is customary to give alms to the monks as a sign of respect and appreciation for them*

Artists play traditional music, such as yike and lakhon basac, during the festival. The festival culminates in a buffalo race, where buffaloes are decorated with colorful masks before entering the racecourse.

pchum ben — *The festival culminates in a buffalo race, where buffaloes are decorated with colorful masks before entering the racecourse.*

Good to know:

Parents are regarded as unique gods in Cambodian culture. As a sign of respect and devotion, Cambodian children frequently make lunch for their parents before visiting the pagoda. "What you have at home is more powerful than the god in the pagoda," goes a popular saying. In your home, who are the gods? They are your parents. This viewpoint highlights the value of family and the profound appreciation that kids have for their parents.

Day 3: Farewell to Ancestors

The final day of Pchum Ben is considered the most significant. This is when Khmer people make their largest and most important offerings, wearing traditional white clothing as a symbol of mourning and respect. Each family prepares food and cakes, just like on the first day, to honor their ancestors at home before bidding farewell to the spirits of the deceased. Once all the rituals are completed, the Pchum Ben festival is officially concluded.

Pagodas are crowded with families bringing trays of Num Ansom (sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), incense, flowers, and other offerings. Buddhist monks chant continuously, reciting protective and merit-transferring prayers to ensure that ancestors receive their final blessings before returning to their spiritual realms.

num ansorm ingredients — *Ingredients of Num Ansom*

As the sun sets, Khmer families gather for grand communal feasts, music, and storytelling, reflecting on the importance of honoring the past while cherishing the present.

Did you know?

On this day, not only houses and belongings are cleansed, but even the animals are bathed and sprayed with perfume.The Khmer believe that they may have used or raised these animals without asking for forgiveness, so this ritual ensures they are also honored.

Where to celebrate Pchum Ben?

In Cambodia

1. Siem Reap

Angkor Wat: One of Cambodia’s most iconic temples, renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance.
Wat Bo: An 18th-century temple, famous for its 19th-century paintings, which have been preserved in excellent condition.
Wat Damnak: The largest pagoda in Siem Reap, originally the palace of King Sisowath before being transformed into a public pagoda.
Wat Preah Prom Rath: A renowned Buddhist monastery, featuring a traditional Khmer-style pagoda, tranquil courtyards, and vivid murals.

2. Phnom Penh

Wat Ounalom Monastery: Known as the 'headquarters' of Cambodian Buddhism, this monastery is home to the patriarch and over 500 monks.
Wat Phnom Daun Penh: One of Phnom Penh's most significant and sacred temples, attracting pilgrims nationwide. It’s a must-visit destination for tourists in Cambodia.

In Vietnam

In Vietnam, Pchum Ben is celebrated by Khmer communities in provinces such as Binh Phuoc, An Giang, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, and Kien Giang of Mekong Delta, where people honor their ancestors with food offerings, prayers, and communal rituals. You can explore the following areas during this time:

Tra Vinh: Known for its rich Khmer culture and beautiful temples, this region hosts ceremonies during Pchum Ben.
Soc Trang: A province with a large Khmer population, where local pagodas are vibrant with festive celebrations.
Kien Giang: This coastal province has several Khmer pagodas that come alive with offerings and rituals during the festival.
An Giang: Another Mekong Delta province where the Khmer people celebrate Pchum Ben in unique and meaningful ways.
Binh Phưoc: While less known, the Khmer community here also honors their ancestors during Pchum Ben.

>>> Read more about Mekong Delta here:

Good to know: Although Pchum Ben in Cambodia and Sen Dolta in Mekong Delta share similar religious and cultural foundations, there are distinct differences in how they are celebrated:

Pchum Ben is a Buddhist festival celebrated primarily in Cambodia, whereas Sen Dolta, observed by Khmer people in Vietnam, combines Buddhism and agricultural traditions.
Sen Dolta incorporates family feasts and ancestral altars at home, while Pchum Ben places more emphasis on offerings at pagodas.
In some Khmer communities in Vietnam, Sen Dolta coincides with the "New Rice Festival," incorporating harvest-related customs not found in Pchum Ben.

If you're keen to dive into the spirit of both festivals, why not explore both sides of the border? Check out our trips that include the celebrations of both festivals here:

What to do as an expat during Pchum Ben

Attend pagoda ceremonies and observe Buddhist rituals if you are permitted.
Small donations of rice, fruits, and sweets will be appreciated.
Wear conservative clothing: white shirt and black trousers for men, white shirt and traditional skirt for women (shoulders and legs covered; no shorts or singlets)
Arrive between 7-10 a.m. to avoid the early morning crowd.
Bring food to offer to monks; a community feast follows around 11:30-12.
To avoid food poisoning, wash hands, keep raw and cooked foods separate, and cook thoroughly.

FAQs

1. How is Pchum Ben different from Khmer New Year?

Pchum Ben is focused on honoring ancestors, while Khmer New Year celebrates new beginnings and joy.

2. Why do Cambodians throw rice during Pchum Ben?

It is a symbolic act of feeding wandering spirits, ensuring they are not left hungry.

3. What should I bring to a Pchum Ben ceremony?

Offerings typically include sticky rice, incense, candles, fruits, and donations for monks.

4. Can foreigners join the festival?

Yes! Many temples welcome visitors, as long as they respect local customs.

5. What happens if someone doesn’t make offerings?

Khmer beliefs suggest that ancestors may suffer in the afterlife if they are forgotten, which is why participation is important.

And our final words

In addition to promoting Cambodian culture, Pchum Ben is essential in promoting love, national unity, and the preservation of customs. It is a unique cultural event that gives you a better understanding of Cambodian culture and values, particularly the great regard for parents and ancestors.

It also serves as a reminder to younger generations to remember the sacrifices made by their ancestors. That’s why you shouldn’t pass up the chance to take part in this significant celebration, especially if you're in Cambodia in September or October for a deeper understanding of this paradise of temples.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below!