Gifts for ghosts

Believers pay homage to their deceased relatives, offering food, water and prayers for their quick release from purgatory and re-entry into the circle of rebirth at Phnom Penh's Wat Botum at 4am Thursday. Celebrations for P'Chum Ben - or the festival of the dead - began September 15 and will culminate early next week with many Cambodians travelling back to their home provinces to celebrate with family members.