Today, 26th of September, until Wednesday,the 28th, are the official dates for Pchum Ben this year. is the Pchum Ben Festival is the time, according to Buddhist beliefs, when the spirits of the dead walk the Earth.
Cambodians believe that to ease their ancestors’ spirit’s sufferings, they prepare food and gather to the pagodas to offer the food for them to eat. This is similar to the All Soul’s Day that is celebrated back in my native Philippines. So most of the Cambodians take this time to go back to their hometown to observe this tradition. So, naturally, the streets of Phnom Penh are virtually empty during these three days.
And, since most of the Cambodians and resident expats are out of the capital, the streets of Phnom Penh are virtually empty and devoid of the usual hustle-bustle of daily life! In fact, we can actually see the yellow and black-striped lane divider!
You can find more information about the Pchum BenFestival here.
More Mellow Yellow Monday entries here (please click logo):
A Silver Finish!
Certified!
Follow Us!