Cambodia Celebrates Pchum Ben with Alms and Ancestral Rites

archives area cambodia

Cambodia has begun its three-day Pchum Ben festival, a deeply rooted Buddhist tradition honouring the spirits of deceased relatives. As one of the country’s most significant annual events, the celebration blends solemn ritual with joyful family reunions.

From Sunday, millions of Cambodians have flocked to pagodas across the nation, offering food and prayers to monks. These offerings are believed to reach the spirits of the dead, who in turn bestow blessings upon the living. The practice reflects a centuries-old belief in karmic merit and spiritual connection between generations.

Pchum Ben is second only to the Khmer New Year in scale and importance. With Buddhists comprising around 95% of Cambodia’s 17 million people, the festival is observed nationwide. Temples are adorned with flowers and incense, and the sound of chanting fills the air as families gather to pay respects.

The holiday also sees a vast movement of people, as hundreds of thousands of migrant workers leave Phnom Penh for their hometowns. To support this exodus, nearly 600 city buses have been deployed to offer free transport between 20 and 25 September, easing travel costs and helping reunite families.

In rural provinces, markets brim with traditional foods and ceremonial items. Children join elders in preparing offerings, and many families take the opportunity to clean ancestral graves and reflect on their heritage.

Though rooted in ancient belief, Pchum Ben remains a vibrant part of Cambodia’s cultural identity. It is a time not only for remembrance, but for reconnection—with family, tradition, and the enduring spirit of community.

-2025-09-22