Phum Ben is the most important festival in Cambodia celebrated throughout the country Each year,the celebration takes 15 days and is marked by families of the dead making offering to their ancestors at local pagodas.The festival is commemoration to souls of relatives or ancestor who have passed away.Traditionally,before the festival starts,families are supposed to worship at seven wats ( padodas ).

    This years,during the two weeks leading to the PchumBen day on october 10 - the final day of the festival - families prepare the offering they will make at wats on the 15th day of celebration.On the 14th day,families distribute traditional cakes, commonly called Ansam,and Korm cakes,to their neighbors,relatives and monks.On the final day of the festival,family member go to a temples with more offerings to pray.However,others say at home lighting incense and candles to guide the spirits of their ancestors to the offering they have left out.

    Normally,the festival begins on the day of the month during which the moon is waning and the fading moon light allow the spirit of the dead to come and get the offerings made by their relatives.If these spirits don't find any offerings, usually food,they will bother their relatives through out the year.

    During the festival people build sand mountains,which represented the release of the sins thay have committed during the past year.