What is Pchum Ben?
Pchum Ben is Cambodia’s way of remembering those who went before us. People call it Ancestors’ Day. Families visit pagodas. They bring food and make merit for relatives up to seven generations back. The festival lasts 15 days and usually falls in late September or October.
In 2025 the main public holiday days are September 21 to 23. These dates follow the Khmer lunar calendar and change each year.
Simple rituals you’ll see
People cook early. They prepare sticky rice balls called ben. They take offerings to monks at pagodas. Monks chant and dedicate the merit to the dead. Some families also clean graves or light candles at home altars.
Vendors sell prepared food, flowers, candles, and rice balls around pagodas. The atmosphere is busy and quiet at the same time.
What happens across the 15 days
Days 1–14: Kan Ben
- Early morning: families prepare food and head to pagodas.
- Morning: rice balls (bai ben) and other offerings are placed for wandering spirits.
- Late morning: offerings go to monks who chant and accept donations.
- Evening: families eat together and continue small rituals at home.
Day 15: Pchum Ben
- Before dawn: people wake early to finish cooking.
- Sunrise: big offerings at pagodas. Monks chant long prayers.
- Morning: crowds at pagodas. Many families give food to monks.
- Afternoon and evening: visiting relatives and quiet reflection.