Falling on the 15th day of the 10th Khmer month, this 15-day religious celebration is a testament to the profound beliefs and cultural heritage of Cambodian Buddhists. This year, Pchum Ben commences on October 13 and takes us on a journey into a realm between heaven and hell, where the souls of ancestors embark on a critical passage.
The Journey of Souls:
Pchum Ben, a festival deeply rooted in Cambodian Buddhism, is a time when Buddhists believe the souls of their ancestors are temporarily released. This 15-day period marks the start of their journey to a place called purgatory – an in-between realm that is neither heaven nor hell. The path these souls follow is influenced by their karma, their past actions, and the offerings made by their living relatives during Pchum Ben.
Act of Giving:
During this sacred festival, families prepare a variety of offerings, including food and other items, which they present to monks and the spirits of their departed ancestors. This act of giving is a way to accumulate merit, a spiritual currency believed to benefit the deceased souls, helping them on their afterlife journey. Monks play a central role in these proceedings, as people make offerings to them to amass merit, ensuring the well-being of their loved ones who have passed away.
A 15-Day Commemoration:
Pchum Ben extends over 15 days, and each day has its own significance. The first 14 days, known as "Kan Ben," involve families gathering at nearby pagodas. Here, they offer food and prayers to their ancestors, an act believed to save them from bad karma. The idea is that deceased relatives await their living kin at the pagodas, eagerly anticipating their return.
The 15th day, referred to as "Ben Thom," is the main festival day. Families arrive with baskets brimming with flowers, and children offer sticky rice cakes to the monks. On this day, everyone dresses in their finest attire. Cambodians have a belief that their actions on Earth shape their appearance as a ghost in the afterlife. Through prayer and offerings during Pchum Ben, families assist their ancestors in transitioning to a better life and ensure that their ancestors remain benevolent, rather than becoming vengeful spirits.
A Glimpse into History:
Pchum Ben has deep historical roots, dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, it stands as one of the most significant holidays in Cambodia. Students and workers often return to their family homes during this period to observe Pchum Ben with grandparents, parents and siblings and partake in the age-old tradition of making offerings to their ancestors.
Pchum Ben is a festival that unites Cambodians in honouring their past seven generations of ancestors, forging a powerful connection between the living and the deceased. This sacred celebration showcases the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of Cambodia, emphasising the importance of respecting and revering one's roots. In Pchum Ben, Cambodians find solace in the belief that their actions can shape the destiny of their ancestors, forging a bridge between this world and the next.