What Is Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival?
The Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival is the primary day of Pchum Ben, a significant 15-day Cambodian Buddhist observance. Often referred to simply as Pchum Ben Day, it is a public holiday across Cambodia. This day marks the culmination of the period during which Cambodians honour their deceased ancestors, particularly those who may not have found peace in the afterlife and are believed to return as “hungry ghosts.”
The observance involves extensive acts of merit-making, such as offering food and prayers at pagodas. This is done to appease and provide sustenance to ancestors, ensuring their well-being and helping them transition to a better existence. The Third Day is the most crucial of the three-day public holiday period that concludes the Pchum Ben festival.
History and Origins of Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival
The Pchum Ben festival, of which the Third Day is the pinnacle, has deep roots in Cambodian Buddhist traditions, influenced by the wider Mahayana Buddhist concept of filial piety and ancestor veneration. Its origins can be traced back several centuries, evolving from ancient Khmer animistic beliefs integrated with Theravada Buddhism. The festival shares thematic similarities with the Chinese Hungry Ghosts Festival but possesses unique Cambodian cultural elements.
According to Cambodian lore, the festival was formalised during the reign of King Barom Reachea II in the 15th century. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this time, allowing spirits of the deceased, including those who committed sins and are suffering as hungry ghosts, to roam free. The 15-day period allows families to make continuous offerings, with the final days, particularly the Third Day, being the most critical for these observances.
How Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival Is Celebrated
On the Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival, Cambodian families typically rise early to prepare various food offerings for their ancestors. These offerings often include traditional Khmer dishes, fruits, and desserts. The central activity involves visiting their local pagoda (wat), sometimes multiple pagodas, where they present these offerings to the monks.
A distinct practice during Pchum Ben, especially on this day, is the preparation and offering of ‘Bay Bens’. These are small balls of sticky rice mixed with sesame seeds, which are traditionally thrown onto the grounds of the pagoda or placed at specific spots. This act is performed to feed any wandering spirits who might not have living relatives to care for them. Families also light incense, say prayers, and listen to sermons from monks, seeking blessings and transferring merit to their ancestors. The atmosphere is one of solemn reverence mixed with communal gathering, as families reunite to participate in these important cultural traditions.
When Is Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival?
The Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival is a movable observance, determined by the Khmer lunar calendar. It falls annually on the 15th day of the tenth month. In the Gregorian calendar, this typically corresponds to a date in late September or early October.
While the entire Pchum Ben festival spans 15 days, the final three days are designated as public holidays in Cambodia. The Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival refers to the ultimate day of this three-day public holiday period, which is the main Pchum Ben Day and the culmination of all observances. The precise Gregorian date varies each year.
Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public Holiday / Religious Observance |
| Date | Variable (15th day of the tenth month of the Khmer lunar calendar) |
| Countries | 1 country (Cambodia) |
| Also known as | Pchum Ben Day, Pchum Ben Bon, Festival of the Ancestors |
| Calendar system | Khmer lunar calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival?
The Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival, known locally as Pchum Ben Day, is the most significant day of a 15-day Cambodian Buddhist festival. It is a public holiday dedicated to honouring and providing offerings to deceased ancestors, particularly those believed to be suffering as "hungry ghosts."
When does the Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival take place?
It is observed on the 15th day of the tenth month of the Khmer lunar calendar. This typically falls in late September or early October within the Gregorian calendar. It is the final day of a three-day public holiday period.
How is the Third Day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival observed in Cambodia?
On this day, Cambodians visit pagodas (wats) to make food offerings, light incense, and pray for their ancestors. A key tradition involves throwing small sticky rice and sesame balls, known as Bay Bens, onto the pagoda grounds to feed wandering spirits.