Pchum Ben 2023

Pchum Ben is the second most important holiday in Cambodian culture besides the Khmer New Year. This year, it took place at the beginning of October.

The ceremony lasts a total of 15 days, the last three of which are national holidays. The festival is a time to honor one’s ancestors. Families gather at pagodas and offer food and prayers to their ancestors’ spirits, which saves them from bad karma. Through these traditions, families help their deceased ancestors pass on to a better life as well as ensure they don’t get cursed by evil spirits.

Click through our galleries and take a look at how our CYS students and beneficiaries celebrated this year’s Pchum Ben!