It’s the end of September, and that means that one of Cambodia’s most important holidays took place: Pchum Ben.
Pchum Ben spans over fifteen days and is deeply meaningful to Cambodians all over the world, as it is a time to honor one’s ancestors. The legend states that the gates to the afterlife open during these holidays, providing people with the opportunity to visit their local pagodas to offer prayers and food offerings to the spirits of their deceased relatives, while also performing rituals and traditional customs to help evil spirits find peace.
Since the meaning behind the Pchum Ben holidays is deeply rooted in people’s ancestry and familial background, it can often be a time of sadness and grief for those who have lost their family members. Many of our students grew up orphaned or separated from their biological family, which is why it is very important to me personally to spend this holiday in Cambodia every single year to provide a safe space for those students and offer them to opportunity, to partake in those traditions together as a found family.
We go to our local pagoda in the mornings to pray and bring food offerings and other donations to the monks. As much as Pchum Ben is about spirituality and reaffirming their cultural heritage, it is a time for community gatherings and family reunions. Therefore, I organize a dinner party every single year for all of our students, families, and friends who live in the area, where all guests get to enjoy their favorite foods, bond, and dance together.
Take a look at how we celebrated Pchum Ben this year!
