Phnom penh: Cambodian people throughout the country are preparing to celebrate Chol Vossa (enter rainy season) or Rainy Retreat, an annual Buddhist festival that begins tomorrow. This year, this religious festival will fall on July 11 and last until Oct. 7, in the pagodas across Cambodia.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during this three-month-long festival, the monks do not leave their pagodas to collect alms as usual. They must remain within the temple compound; however, they can accept the invitation of devotees and travel out during the daytime, but they cannot stay out of the pagoda overnight.

Generally, Buddhist followers offer Tean Vossa (Vossa candle), a large candle that has to be lighted throughout the entire duration of the festival, as well as oil, robes, and other food supplies to the monks. Tean Vossa is considered the light for life, illuminating the darker parts of life and guiding a way toward nirvana.

The end of the Rainy Retreat, or Chegn Vossa Festival, will also be celebrated, marking the conclusion of this significant period for Cambodian Buddhists.