Pchum Ben

Cambodia is currently in the midst of Pchum Ben .

This event is equivalent to Obon in Japan, and it is said that the spirits of ancestors return to this world.

• meaning

  It is believed that the spirits of ancestors and deceased family members return to this world, so people visit temples, offer food and offerings to monks, and direct merit to the spirits of their ancestors. It is similar to the Obon festival in Japan, but has a stronger religious ritual element.

  
  

• habit

  Families visit temples and make offerings.

  It is believed that by giving money or food to the monks, one accumulates virtue and reaches the souls of one's ancestors.

  Many people return to their hometowns to spend time with their families.

  Flowers and incense are sold in front of the temple, and it is bustling with worshippers.

  
  

Cityscape

The capital, Phnom Penh, is quieter than usual and many restaurants are closed.

The gym I go to was also closed (although some gyms seem to be open).

Medical work

From a work perspective,

• Private clinics and hospitals: Some are closed. Cosmetic clinics are closed.

• Public hospitals → As usual (you may be called)

• Local engineers → Vacation in rotation

  
  

From my experience, the hospital itself is open as usual, but other agencies are closed. I wonder if we will be called in in case of an emergency? After a long holiday, some people still feel like they're back on vacation. (Is this the same all over the world?)

However, what I have to do won't change, and I don't think it will change much to see what the hospital is like during this period, but I would like to go.

First time spending time with Pchum Ben

By the way, this is my first time to spend at Pchum Ben.

In previous years, I would return to Japan before Pchum Ben and come to Japan after Pchum Ben.

I never thought I'd be spending this year like this.

Why did you decide to spend this time here?

By the way, I had the impression that Pchum Ben = October ,

I had assumed it would be held in October this year, but I didn't realize it was actually held in September this year... I didn't do enough research! lol

Summary

Cambodia's Obon, " Pchum Ben ," has some similarities to Japan's Obon, but I feel it is a more religious event in which the whole of society participates. It is such an important time for people that it brings their everyday lives to a temporary halt.

This year will be my first time experiencing it in person, and I'd like to observe the unique atmosphere of the city and the state of the hospital at this time of year.

Have a nice Pchum Ben

Sani aLaab