Pchom Ben Day

Phchum Ben is a 15-day Cambodian religious festival held in September or October, dedicated to honoring ancestors. Families visit pagodas, offer food to monks, and pray for their deceased loved ones. Sticky rice cakes are commonly brought as offerings. Ancestors are believed to exist in heaven, on earth, or in hell, with different rituals for each. For ancestors in hell, sticky rice balls are thrown in the early morning as the only way to offer food. The festival includes traditional dances, food offerings, and is open to foreigners.