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Step into a world of rich Cambodian traditions and deep-rooted spirituality on Pchum Ben, celebrated on October 1. This revered holiday, also known as Ancestors' Day, dates back to the Angkor era when the powerful Khmer Empire dominated much of Southeast Asia. The 15-day period of Pchum Ben is a time for Cambodians to pay their respects to deceased relatives of up to 7 generations. This spiritually profound celebration is intricately linked with the Buddhist belief in Karma. The high point of the celebrations comes on the final day with sacred ceremonies in temples all over the country. Join us as we immerse ourselves in this remarkable festival and experience, firsthand, the beauty of Cambodian culture!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>802</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beginning of the Khmer Empire</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Khmer Empire is established, marking the start of a period rich in cultural and religious traditions including ancestor veneration which eventually became Pchum Ben.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>12th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Angkor Wat Construction</div><div class='timeline-text'>Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built. Its religious significance and ceremonial practices influenced the celebration of Pchum Ben.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1431</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text-text-title'>Fall of the Khmer Empire</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the fall of the Khmer Empire, ancestral ceremonies like Pchum Ben persisted and continued to evolve under Theravada Buddhism influence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cambodia Under French Rule</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite Cambodia becoming a protectorate of France, traditional cultural ceremonies like Pchum Ben continued to be celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pchum Ben Banned by Khmer Rouge</div><div class='timeline-text'>The brutal Khmer Rouge regime banned traditional religious practices, including Pchum Ben, as part of their radical agenda.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Return of Pchum Ben</div><div class='timeline-text'>After the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, Pchum Ben, along with other cultural and religious practices, experienced a revival.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a local Pagoda</h3><p class='facts-text'>During Pchum Ben, pagodas are bustling with activity as locals come to make offerings to the spirits of their deceased ancestors. Visiting a local pagoda during this time provides an opportunity to witness these deeply spiritual moments and understand the importance of this tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prepare traditional food offerings</h3><p class='facts-text'>Immerse in the Cambodian culture by learning to cook traditional food that is typically offered to ancestors during Pchum Ben. Families often prepare special dishes such as num ansorm and bay ben, which are viewed as favourite meals of the spirits.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join in a Bay Ben tossing</h3><p class='facts-text'>Bay Ben is one of the most special events associated with Pchum Ben, where balls of rice are tossed into the air before dawn to feed ancestor's spirits. Participating in this unique ritual can be an unforgettable way to connect with Cambodian culture and tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dress in traditional Cambodian attire</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dressing in traditional Cambodian attire is another way to honor the Pchum Ben. White is the traditional color worn during this period, symbolizing purity and reverence. Try wearing a traditional Cambodian 'sampot' or 'sarong', a long, fabric skirt usually worn by women, or a 'krama', a special type of scarf often worn by men.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a community event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Local communities often host various events during Pchum Ben. Volunteering at these events not only gives a firsthand experience of the festival, but also offers an opportunity to understand and respect the significance of Pchum Ben. It serves as a memorable way to engage with locals and gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodian culture.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of Cambodian culture and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pchum Ben allows us to deeply immerse ourselves in Cambodian traditions and ceremonies. The festival's colorful rituals, traditional attire, and unique practices offer a firsthand experience of the country's rich cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides an opportunity to honor and remember our ancestors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pchum Ben is a festival of remembrance and respect. It allows us to show gratitude and pay our respects to our ancestors. During this time, we can remember their contributions to our lives and express our deep appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters a sense of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pchum Ben is a significant community-oriented festivity. The festival enables us to bond with fellow attendees, share experiences and create lasting memories through community events and volunteer opportunities. Pchum Ben solidifies community relationships through shared respect for this momentous tradition.</p></div></div>
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