Pchum Ben
A 15-day Cambodian tradition of remembering loved ones, honoring family, giving, and making offerings through prayer.
Pchum Ben brings together remembrance, generosity, Buddhist devotion, and family connection.
What Is Pchum Ben?
Pchum Ben (ភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ), often known as Cambodia's Ancestors' Festival, is a significant religious and cultural celebration in Cambodia.
Observed over 15 days, the festival gives Cambodian families time to remember deceased relatives, participate in Buddhist practices, make merit, and reconnect with family and community.
During the festival, families visit pagodas to pray, make offerings, and perform acts of merit. These practices are closely connected with remembering and honoring those who have passed away.
Pchum Ben is a time to remember ancestors, practice generosity, strengthen family ties, and continue Cambodian religious and cultural traditions.
How the Pchum Ben Period Unfolds
The first 14 days of the Pchum Ben period are commonly known as Kan Ben (កាន់បិណ្ឌ). During this time, families take turns visiting pagodas and bringing food and other offerings.
Kan Ben
Families visit pagodas, bring offerings, support monks, pray, and make merit while remembering deceased relatives.
Pchum Ben Day
The final day marks the culmination of the festival, when families gather at pagodas to make offerings, pray, and honor their ancestors.
How Cambodian Families Celebrate
Pchum Ben traditions can vary between families and communities, but the festival generally combines religious observance with family gatherings and acts of generosity.
Visit Pagodas
Families visit Buddhist pagodas and monasteries throughout the festival.
Bring Offerings
Food, fruit, rice, flowers, incense, candles, and other offerings may be brought to the pagoda.
Pray & Make Merit
Families participate in prayers and acts of generosity as part of Buddhist practice.
Reunite With Family
Relatives often return home during the festival, making it an important time for family connection.
Common Pchum Ben Offerings
There is no single set of things that every family must offer during Pchum Ben. People may give food, useful goods, money, or a combination of these according to their circumstances and tradition.
Food & Prepared Dishes
Families may bring rice, fruit, traditional Khmer cakes: such as num ansom (នំអន្សម), num kom (នំគម), dry goods such as instant noodles and canned food, or homemade Khmer dishes. What is offered can depend on what each family has available and is able to prepare.
Ritual & Everyday Essentials
Offerings may also include incense and candles, as well as practical items such as Sla Dok (សាដក), sugar, tea, drinks, milk, and other everyday necessities.
Money & Other Donations
Monetary donations are another common way to make merit. Families may contribute what they can to monks, pagodas, religious activities, or community needs.
There is no need to offer everything listed here. Pchum Ben is not about having to cook, donate money, or provide every type of offering. Some people may prepare food, while others may give money or practical goods. What matters is the effort, sincerity, and heart behind the act of giving , according to one's ability and circumstances.
For Cambodians living outside Cambodia, Pchum Ben remains an important way to stay connected to our beliefs, culture, and families. Khmer communities continue to gather at Buddhist temples and pagodas, bringing food or other offerings, praying, and observing the tradition together. Even when we are far from Cambodia, these gatherings help keep Khmer traditions and connections between generations alive.
Get Your Pchum Ben Essentials Early
Whether you are preparing food, bringing dry goods,
or simply looking for a few essentials to offer,
Food KH makes it easier to get ready ahead of time.
Shop early so you have what you need when Pchum Ben
Day arrives.
