"Bonn Pchum Ben" is the most important religious event observed by Cambodians each year around 15 October. The exact date varies year to year according to the Cambodian lunar calendar. Pchum Ben literally translated to mean "gathering and offering of food" is the time to prepare and offer food to spirits of the ancestors. Cambodians believe this to be the time when the spirits of their dead ancestors walk the Earth and that they should comfort their suffering by offering food. The Pchum Ben Festival lasts for fifteen days; daily people throng to the pagodas to make offerings of steamed cakes in banana leaves. It is customary also to offer a special rice offering made from sticky rice cooked with coconut and other ingredients. The way a celebration is observed in the provinces differs from location to location. Although it is a solemn affair, it is a colorful and happy event observed by Cambodians throughout the country. The final three days are usually public holidays when most Khmers visit the province where they were born for a family reunion.