09/28/2026
Pchum Ben: A holiday to honor ancestors that is widely celebrated in Cambodia and across the Cambodian diaspora 🌏
Pchum Ben spans 15 days and culminates with a celebratory weekend festival. Many Cambodian Buddhist temples will host events during the 15 days.
Events occur in the morning ☀️ and evenings. They are often organized by families or groups of friends to welcome community in honoring ancestors during the holiday.
Spirits of ancestors from up to 7 generations past are believed to come to the living realm to visit. Families will often leave out food offerings on family altars, light incense, and pray to greet their loved ones.
For wandering spirits with no home to return to, many who celebrate Pchum Ben will leave out food and lit incense on their doorstep. These offerings offer a reprieve for ancestors seeking the comfort of a warm meal and family.
When merits are given at the temple, it can be transferred to our ancestors. Giving merits may be done in the form of monetary donations, time volunteered, or food catered.
Merits do not always have to be given at the temple. Many people may give merits in community spaces or at home. It’s not about how much or where you give your merits, but your intention and impact.
Ways to celebrate Pchum Ben:
• Visit your local Cambodian Buddhist Temple
• Make a deceased one’s favorite meal and save them a plate
• Set out fruits or snacks on your doorstep for wandering spirits
• Say a prayer in private
• Call a loved one
• Light incense or candle for an ancestor
• Take a moment to honor any feelings of grief
