Ancestors' Day – October 10, 2026

History of Ancestors' Day

The Pchum Ben festival originated in the Angkorian era when people followed animism. Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a spiritual essence. Buddhism replaced Animism as the leading religion but since both emphasize respect for the deceased ancestors, the old customs under the new religion have remained. In the Khmer language, the official language of Cambodia, Pchum or Brochum means “a meeting or gathering” and Ben means “a ball of something”, such as rice or meat.

During Pchum, Ben Khmers cook and offer meals to the souls of their relatives as they believe it eases their suffering. The souls are seen as hungry ghosts with tiny mouths but enormous appetites. It is said that if you were greedy, envious, or jealous in your lifetime you would become a hungry ghost after death. Most believers will prepare food for the Buddhist monks as it is an act that transfers merit to the hungry ghosts, while many believe that the food itself is transferred from the monks to their ancestors. People will also throw rice into fields as some believe the food offerings are transferred directly to the dead.

It is believed that there are four kinds of ghosts: those eating pus and blood, burning ghosts who are always hot, hungry ghosts, and the Pakrakteaktopak Chivi, who can receive food through the monks. The others may only receive food from their relatives once their sins are reduced to the level of Pakrakteaktopak Chivi.

Although this is a fairly unique festival there are similarities to festivals in Sri Lanka and Taiwan.