If your mornings were gently filled with the sound of prayers and sacred chants, you were likely in Cambodia, near a pagoda, during the sacred period of Pchum Ben. This essential festival for honoring ancestors attracts thousands of people to temples between September and October. Let’s dive into this vibrant celebration that intertwines faith and culture. 

Every year, Cambodia celebrates the festival of Pchum Ben, a religious holiday deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism. Beyond a mere spiritual belief; this religion represents a genuine way of life that shape the worldview of Cambodians. For instance, the idea that past actions influence present life, known as karma, is omnipresent. 

In Khmer culture, Pchum Ben is an important festival dedicated to the souls of ancestors, providing an opportunity to pay homage. According to this belief, after death, the souls of the dead are judged and either ascend to heaven or descend to hell, depending on their actions during life. Souls that have not received appropriate funeral rites or have committed bad actions are punished in hell and wander restlessly, referred to as “wandering souls.” 

During the Pchum Ben period, it is said that the gates of hell opens, allowing these restless spirits to temporarily return to Earth. They come to pagodas to await the offerings prepared by their loved ones. This is a moment of reconciliation and respect towards ancestors, ensuring their spirits find peace. If not honored during ceremonies like Pchum Ben, these spirits are doomed to suffer further.

Pchum Ben is one of the most cherished festivals in Cambodia. It symbolizes the reunion of the living with their ancestors while providing an opportunity for families to come together. This bond is even reflected in the name of the event; “Pchum” literally means “to gather” or “to unite,” while “Ben” refers to a “ball of food,” typically rice or meat, used for offerings made to ancestors.   

 The first 14 days are called “Dak Ben,” meaning “to deposit offerings.” During this time, families prepare “Bay Ben” offerings, typically made up of homemade dishes, intended to nourish and comfort the souls. For the living, this ritual is considered an act of merit, or “punya,” allowing them to accumulate good karma. 

Photo credit: Clémence DEVILLE

It is also an occasion for children to learn lessons of gratitude and respect. One of the most deeply ingrained beliefs in Khmer culture is that what one possesses at home, is more important than the gods worshiped in pagodas. Parents are viewed as the true guardians of the household. As such, children are expected to offer gifts to demonstrate their respect and appreciation. 

The last day of Pchum Ben, known as “Ben Thom,” is the most sacred moment. This 15th day, marked by three public holidays, symbolizes the closing of the “gates of hell”. During that day, prayers and offerings reach their peak, providing the souls with a final opportunity of redemption. While Pchum Ben unites biological families around their ancestors and the departed, it also brings together “families of the heart” like those at Phare Ponleu Selpak.

The students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Khmer traditions and discover the richness of their culture. The celebration was organized by Sey Chhenshong, a member of the social support team. This initiative combines sharing with a connection to a common culture. 

Upon arriving at the pagoda, the majestic architecture immediately captured our attention. The chants and prayers of the monks resonated, children joyfully ran around food stalls, and colorful banners, illuminated by the sun, brought this place to life in a unique way. 

After burning incense and praying, we participated in the rice offering, a symbolic gesture of respect and generosity towards the monks. The last bowl of rice is intended for wandering souls. 

Photo credit: Clémence DEVILLE

In Theravada Buddhism, practiced in Cambodia, there is a strong belief in positive energy and blessings. So, after explaining the significance of Pchum Ben, the Buddhist monk blessed the offerings. Baskets filled with various goods, food, and necessities such as toothpaste were prepared. We all held hands and touched the offered items, symbolizing a collective connection and sharing of spiritual merits. The involvement of the children, who prayed and sang, was remarkable.

Photo credit:  CHIERN Piseth Samphallyka

This timeless festival has a special meaning in a country marked by the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge, where millions of lives were cut short without traditional funeral rites. The prayers and merits accumulated by the living help these troubled spirits find peace. This tradition is part of a duty of remembrance between generations, ensuring that the past is not forgotten and that the lessons of solidarity are perpetuated. Pchum Ben thus creates a link between generations, restoring a cultural and historical continuity.

At Phare Ponleu Selpak, this celebration takes on a special dimension. The values embodied by Pchum Ben are at the heart of the association’s social and educational initiatives. By teaching arts, such as traditional Khmer music and dance, free of charge, Phare contributes to the preservation and transmission of Cambodian cultural heritage to younger generations.

Clémence DEVILLE is a communications intern and runs a theater workshop at Phare Ponleu Selpak. Currently on a mobility abroad as part of her studies at Sciences Po Toulouse, she combines her training in political science with a strong artistic commitment. Passionate about the arts and expression, she is convinced that these disciplines are essential levers for transmission and social transformation.