Pchum Ben: The Honouring of Ancestors to begin in October 2018 – A Day Offered to those who have Passed On

One of the most important public holidays in Cambodia is Pchum Ben. It is a festival that comes just before the period of ‘Vassa’ which is similar to the period of lent for the Catholics. Pchum Ben is a festival that is mostly dedicated to the deceased member of the family. Offerings are made for those as old as 7 generations in the past.

Temples are filled with the sounds of the soothing chants by Buddhist priests that go on all day and night without a break. Devotees visit the temples with all sorts of food that is home prepared to be offered to the dead. It is also said that on this very day the gates of hell are opened, and souls are allowed to take the offerings that are left for them. The festival is colourful and worth seeing. If you are lodged in one of the Siem Reap best hotels like the familiar hotel Anantara Angkor Resort, make it a point to visit the pagodas on this day.