King Norodom Sihamoni issued a message to fellow Cambodians for Kan Ben and Pchum Ben. It stated: “This year’s Kan Ben and Pchum Ben give Cambodians in every locality an opportunity to dedicate merit to the national heroes who fought an invading enemy. May the souls of all these national heroes reach a blessed afterlife.”
The message, issued on September 6, added that Kan Ben and Pchum Ben are major national traditions observed annually since ancient times. They hold profound meaning for Khmer people travelling from near and far to their ancestral hometowns, gathering at homes and pagodas, giving alms, expressing gratitude and dedicating merit to departed forebears. They also nurture national solidarity and love for, preservation and protection of traditions so that Khmer civilisation endures.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television — By: ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
