Ancestors' Day

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: Cultural Holidays Ethnic
Where:: Cambodia
Date change rule:: 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar (late September–mid October)
Holiday emoji:: 🙏

Ancestors’ Day, also known as Pchum Ben, honors deceased relatives every year on the 15th day of the tenth month of the Khmer calendar. This Cambodian religious festival, spanning 15 days, culminates in a special celebration where families offer food and prayers to their ancestors. Join in by learning about Khmer traditions, visiting a pagoda, or sharing your family’s history.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Ancestors' Day Deals

Ancestors’ Day is a time of solemn remembrance and cultural observance rather than commercial deals. However, charitable organizations focused on Cambodian cultural preservation and community support often see increased donations. Organizations like the Cambodian Living Arts and the Cambodian Children’s Fund may run special campaigns to support their ongoing work. Local Cambodian-American community centers might host events to educate the public and raise funds for pagodas or cultural programs. We encourage direct donations to these organizations to help preserve the rich heritage associated with Pchum Ben.

Platform Guide for Ancestors' Day

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AncestorsDay. Share stories or photos of your family’s traditions.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AncestorsDay. Post photos of offerings, pagodas, or family gatherings.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch documentaries on Cambodian culture and Pchum Ben rituals.

Ancestors' Day Hero

King Jayavarman VII

King Jayavarman VII, who reigned from 1181 to 1218, was one of the most powerful monarchs of the Khmer Empire. He was a devout Buddhist and oversaw the construction of significant temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm, fostering a period of great cultural and religious development in Cambodia. His reign is often associated with a golden age of Khmer art and architecture, reflecting the deep spiritual reverence central to Cambodian identity.

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.

Ancestors' Day timeline

First Century B.C.

Beginning in the Mahayana Period

Pchum Ben begins during the Mahayana period in the first century B.C.

802 A.D.

Celebration During Angkorian Period

Pchum Ben is still celebrated during the Angkorian period in 802 A.D. even though the majority of people believed in animism.

Fifth Century A.D.

Buddhism is Introduced

Buddhism is brought to Cambodia.

1181 A.D.

Reign of the First Buddhist King

King Jayavarman VII, the first king who was a devoted Buddhist, begins his reign.

1181–1218

King Jayavarman VII Advocates for Monks

King Jayavarman VII appeals to his people to offer the monks food and other necessities for daily life during Pchum Ben.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Ancestors' Day

Local businesses, particularly those in areas with Cambodian communities, can honor Ancestors’ Day by supporting cultural events or local pagodas. Restaurants might offer traditional Khmer dishes, while community centers can host educational workshops on Pchum Ben customs. Businesses can also partner with Cambodian non-profits to raise awareness and funds for cultural preservation efforts, demonstrating respect for the community’s heritage during this important time.

Ancestors' Day FAQs

When is Ancestors' Day?

Ancestors’ Day 2026, or Pchum Ben, is celebrated from Saturday, October 10 through Saturday, October 17, with the most significant day, Pchum Ben itself, falling on Thursday, October 15.

How is Ancestors' Day celebrated?

During the 15-day festival, Cambodian families visit pagodas to offer food and prayers to their deceased relatives, believing that the gates of hell are open and spirits are active. Special ceremonies are performed by monks to transfer merit to the ancestors.

What is the significance of Pchum Ben?

Pchum Ben is one of the most important religious holidays in Cambodia, rooted in the belief that spirits of the dead, particularly those who have not found peace, return to earth. Offerings ensure their well-being and bring merit to the living.

Is Ancestors' Day a public holiday in Cambodia?

Yes, the main day of Pchum Ben (October 15, 2026) is a public holiday in Cambodia, allowing people to participate fully in religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Many businesses and government offices close.

How to Observe Ancestors' Day

Visit a pagoda
Visit a pagoda if you are in Cambodia. Cambodians are very open to sharing their traditions with others.
Prepare something for your elders
Prepare lunch or supper for your parents or grandparents. Respect for one's elders is an important practice in Cambodian culture.
Prepare Bay Bens
Learn how to prepare Bay Bens. It is a sticky ball of rice made with coconut milk and is a big part of the festival.

5 Interesting Facts About Cambodia

New Year is in April
Cambodia’s New Year’s celebrations, Choul Chnam Thmey, are held in mid-April each year.
Insects are a common dish on menus
Crickets, ants, and even tarantulas all form part of a Cambodian diet.
The only flag to feature a building
The Cambodian Flag features Angkor Wat, which is a world heritage-listed site. {Largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
Largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
Tonle Sap in Cambodia, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, flows in two directions.
Cambodia has had four different names
Over the past 60 years, Cambodia has had four different names: ‘The Kingdom of Cambodia,’ ‘The Khmer Republic,' ‘Democratic Kampuchea,' and ‘The People’s Republic of Kampuchea.’

Why Ancestors' Day is Important

It lasts 15 days
Over two weeks of celebrations sound good to us! Take some time off to celebrate!
We pay respect to our ancestors
Pchum Ben allows us to pay our respects, honor, and remember our heritage and ancestors. This is important no matter what culture you belong to.
It is about community
The night before the celebrations, villagers come from all around to prepare the pagoda of their village. Pchum Ben is when the villagers gather to celebrate in their villages.