Pchum Ben Festival

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

Pchum Ben Festival, the Commemoration of the Spirits of the Dead, is celebrated during the tenth month of the Khmer calendar, called Pheaktrobotr. During 15 days Cambodian people will bring to pagodas, rice, food, incense, candles and flowers. A syncretism linking Buddhism, Animism and Brahmanism, Cambodian people believe that no souls go to heaven. Everyone who dies goes to hell and there are many levels of hell. Pchum Ben is their only opportunity to be released back into the living worldt. During this period the gates of hell are opened and the spirits come to the living world to eat. If, after having looked in at least seven pagodas, these spirits find out they are not part of their families' offerings, they curse them into running out of food the following year. On the contrary, if the family has given enough offerings for these souls, Yama, the king of Hell, may then decide that they can go back into the living world and reincarnate.

Photography has been a hobby that grew on me. I have always liked it but, in the past, I have never thought of the conception of a photo too much. For some time now, I have developed a real enjoyment in taking photos and with that, came the concern of trying to take good photos. Every chance I have, I read about photography, learn from people who are more experienced than me or professionals. I also take pleasure in admiring great photos, both on books or websites. Jason Edwards’ photos are among the ones that caught my attention, especially the ones from his trip to Antarctica. It would be such an unforgettable experience to go to Bhutan with him, to learn and to devote to the taking of this amazing thing that is photography.