Independence Day of Cambodia

Independence Day (Khmer: បុណ្យឯករាជ្យជាតិ) is a national holiday observed annually in Cambodia every 9 November. The date celebrates Cambodia's Declaration of Independence from France on 9 November 1953. The site to celebrate the ceremony is at Independence Monument. The vital celebrations are held in the capital city, Phnom Penh although there are some celebrations in many provinces.[1]

Independence Day
បុណ្យឯករាជ្យជាតិ
Observed byCambodia
TypeNational
SignificanceThe day of the Declaration of Independence of Cambodia
Date9 November
Next time9 November 2021 (2021-11-09)
FrequencyAnnual

History

France started controlling Cambodia in 1863. After being colonized around 80 years, King Norodom Sihanouk began claiming independence from France in 1949. In 1953, he was successful to gain full independence, and France agreed to decolonize the whole country. Due to this accomplishment, Cambodian citizens viewed him as "the father of independence (ព្រះមហាវីរបុរសជាតិ – ព្រះបិតាឯករាជ្យជាតិ)",[2] which depicts that he was the hero of the country. He helped make the country develop rapidly.

Celebration

Every year, Independence Day is a very special and happy day for the whole nation. It portrayed the Khmer success over colonization. It is celebrated in many places[3] around the country, and the absolutely crucial one takes place at Independence Monument (វិមានឯករាជ្យ) in Phnom Penh.

On that day, all the leaders and representatives of state organizations and public departments must participate and celebrate the formal ceremony in the morning. Usually the roads around the Independence Monument are closed to provide the space for the ceremony. The whole ceremony is broadcast on national television and radio. Other channels also broadcast it from the National TV. Therefore, the people around the country can watch it.

Every state palace is decorated with some slogans related to the independence of Cambodia, and the lights. At night, there is firework in the Chatomuk River (ទន្លេចតុមុខ) located in front of the Royal Palace. Because it is the holiday, there are a lot of people going out to see that event in front of the Royal Palace and Chroy Changvar area, which is opposite to the Royal Palace.

References
  1. "Cambodian Independence Day". Officeholidays. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  2. "Background of Cambodian Independence Day". Sem Rithy. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  3. "Cambodian Independence Day in Ratanakiri". Retrieved 28 November 2017.
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