King Calls for Unity and Cultural Preservation During Pchum Ben Festival

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia has issued a message to the nation on the occasion of the traditional "Kandabin" and "Pchum Ben" festivals, which are major national traditional events celebrated annually by the Khmer people since ancient times. In his royal message, released on September 23, 2026, His Majesty the King expressed his immense joy and extended congratulations to all Cambodian citizens on the occasion of the "Kandabin" and "Pchum Ben" festivals, which will be celebrated from the first day of the waning moon to the fifteenth day of the waning moon of the month of Phatrad, the eighth year of the Momee era, corresponding to September 27 to October 11, 2026. The King emphasized that the "Kandabin" and "Pchum Ben" festivals are major national traditional events that the Khmer people have celebrated every year since ancient times. He highlighted that this festival holds profound significance and meaning, serving as a special occasion for all Cambodian people, whether near or far, to return to their hometowns to reunite with family and relatives, and to participate in traditional ceremonies at home and in pagodas. Furthermore, His Majesty stated that the "Kandabin" and "Pchum Ben" festivals are also a time for the Khmer people to express their gratitude and respect to their benefactors, as well as to dedicate merits to their ancestors and relatives who have passed away. In addition, His Majesty expressed his admiration and high appreciation for the spirit of solidarity, unity, and the excellent relations among the Khmer people, as demonstrated through their participation in celebrating these glorious national traditional festivals. He particularly praised the spirit of cultural love and the participation in protecting and preserving the nation's pure customs and traditions, ensuring they endure and flourish from generation to generation as a valuable heritage for the nation and all Cambodian children. His Majesty further emphasized, "On this auspicious occasion of the 'Kandabin' and 'Pchum Ben' festivals, I wish for all Cambodian people to continue to protect, preserve, and promote the nation's noble traditions, customs, and culture, while jointly strengthening national solidarity and unity to further consolidate social peace and stability, and to contribute to the nation's continuous construction and development."