Phnom penh: 'Pchum Ben' Festival, also known as the Festival for the Dead, is set to be celebrated across Cambodia this weekend. It is the second most significant festival in the country, following the Khmer New Year or 'Chaul Chhnam Thmei'.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the festival spans 15 days, with the first 14 days known as Kan Ben. During Kan Ben, villagers take turns offering food to monks at local pagodas. These offerings are intended to reach the souls of ancestors, facilitated by the sermons of Buddhist monks. The final day of Pchum Ben is particularly important, as Cambodians of all backgrounds prepare food and offerings for their visits to the pagodas.
Government officials, workers, and employees will enjoy a three-day holiday from September 21 to 23. Last year, the Ministry of Tourism recorded approximately 1.8 million local and international tourists visiting various destinations in Cambodia during the Pchum Ben Festival, held from October 1 to 3.