How my family celebrates pchum ben Pchum Ben is one of those special Cambodian holidays that truly brings families together. In this post, I’m going to share what Pchum Ben means to Cambodians and how we celebrate this heartfelt holiday. Understanding Pchum Ben: A Time for Family and Ancestral Respect In October this year, Cambodia lights up with the spirit of Pchum Ben. The name itself is a fusion of two Khmer words: “Pchum,” meaning “to gather together,” and “Ben,” which represents a “ball of food.” This grand celebration lasts for a full 15 days and stands as a tribute to ancestors reaching as far back as seven generations. It’s no exaggeration to say that Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most cherished holidays. The First 14 Days: Dak Ben The journey of Pchum Ben begins with what we call “Dak Ben,” the initial 14 days. During this period, families living near a pagoda take turns whipping up scrumptious meals for the monks and a stream of visitors who flock to the p...
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