Pchum Ben 2023: Pchum Ben, which occurs on the 15th day of the 10th Khmer month, commences a 15-day religious festival in Cambodia on October 13 of this year. Cambodian Buddhists observe a 15-day annual period during which they purport to have the spirits of their ancestors released. Souls commence their journey to purgatory, the intermediate realm that is neither hell nor paradise, at Pchum Ben. The trajectory of their expedition shall be determined by the intercession of their live relatives during Pchum Ben and their karma. This celebration commences following the conclusion of Buddhist Lent. Foods are prepared for the monks to consume during this time in order to amass merits that will benefit the deceased.
The History of Pchum Ben
Cambodians observe the 15-day Pchum Ben ceremony in remembrance of their seventh generation of ancestors. “Kan Ben” refers to the initial fourteen days of the festival, during which families congregate at nearby pagodas to pray to their progenitors for protection against negative karma and to offer them sustenance. It is believed that departed relatives await the return of their departed loved ones at the pagodas.
On Day 15, families present “Ben Thom” with containers brimming with flowers, while children present sticky rice cake to the monks. On this day, the festival’s primary event, everyone dons formal attire. Cambodians believe that their demeanor as ghosts after death is determined by their actions on earth. Through the observance of Pchum Ben, the family ensures that their ancestors do not curse them and gains an improved existence by means of prayer and food offerings.
The festival, which has its origins in the Middle Ages, is one of Cambodia’s most significant celebrations. Present-day employees and pupils return to their families to observe Pchum Ben and present offerings.
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Pchum Ben 2023 FAQs
Describe Bay Ben.
At dawn, a ball of rice known as Bay Ben is presented to spirits. The belief is that spirits carrying heavy sins are unable to consume food during the day. Bay ben is composed of glutinous rice and sesame, to which coconut cream is frequently added for flavor.
In addition to presenting offerings, what additional customs do Cambodians observe during Pchum Ben?
Prior to the commencement of the festival, villagers unite to construct the pagoda in their village while Cambodian musicians perform traditional tunes.
What time is Pchum Ben?
The 15th day of the 10th Khmer month is Pchum Ben.
Pchum Ben 2023 Activities
Observe a pagoda
Cambodians bestow offerings upon their progenitors at pagodas. Gain an intimate understanding of this custom by visiting a pagoda and presenting an offering.
Perform a thoughtful act for your parents or ancestors.
Parents are revered by Cambodians as deities. Cambodian children assemble their parents’ lunches prior to their visit to the Buddha. “What you have at home is more potent than the god in the pagoda,” goes a proverb. Who are your household’s deities? Pupils are your guardians. Perform an uncommon act of kindness to demonstrate to your parents and grandparents how much they mean to you.
Produce Bay Bens
During the festival, Bay Bens, which are spheres of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, are prepared. Congregate with a group of companions and observe the occasion by constructing bay bens collectively.
Five facts concerning Pchum Ben
A widely celebrated festival
Pchum Ben is a highly significant Buddhist festival in Cambodia due to the fact that it reunites families that have been separated for an extended period of time across provinces.
Definition of title
“Pchum” translates to “to assemble,” while “Ben” denotes “a food ball.”
It symbolizes the significance of parents.
Young people are instructed at the festival on how to properly honor their relatives.
The fifteenth day
The final day of the ceremony and the most significant day of Pchum Ben occur on the fifteenth day.
White substance
In Cambodia, the funeral hue is white.
Pchum Ben Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 13 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
