Phchum Ben

Phchum Ben

September or OctoberThe 15-day period also known as Prachum-Ben in Cambodia is dedicated to rituals for the dead. It occurs during the rainy season when skies are usually overcast, and the darkness seems an appropriate time for Yama, God of the Underworld, to let the souls of the dead visit their families. The traditional offering to the dead consists of ben —special cakes made of glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and other ingredients—arranged on a platter around a centerpiece and placed on a pedestal. Sometimes the rice is formed into a cone called bay bettbor, with flags, flowers, and joss sticks used to decorate the top. During this time a monk says prayers at the tombs of the dead.
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 502