Ancestor's Day
21 - September 22, Sunday – Monday
History and Origin
Pchum Ben has its roots in ancient Khmer traditions and Buddhism. The holiday reflects the belief in karma and reincarnation: Cambodians believe that prayers and offerings help the souls of ancestors achieve better karma and find peace.
Main Traditions
* Visiting Buddhist temples and offering gifts to monks.
* Saying prayers for the repose of ancestors’ souls.
* Preparing traditional dishes and sweets to share with monks and relatives.
* Family gatherings where stories about ancestors are told.
* Decorating temples and altars in honor of deceased relatives.
Purpose of the Holiday
* To honor the memory of ancestors and deceased relatives.
* To preserve family traditions and strengthen family bonds.
* To provide spiritual support to the souls of ancestors through offerings and prayers.
When It Is Celebrated
Pchum Ben lasts for 15 days and usually falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. The main days of the holiday are the last 7 days, when people actively visit temples.
Celebration Features
* Monks read sutras and accept offerings in temples.
* People believe that the souls of ancestors come to receive offerings on these days.
* The holiday is accompanied by a special atmosphere of respect, peace, and spiritual cleansing.
Ancestor's Day in other years
- 2022 24 - September 25, Saturday – Sunday
- 2023 13 - October 14, Friday – Saturday
- 2024 1 - October 2, Tuesday – Wednesday
- 2026 10 - October 11, Saturday – Sunday