Thousands of Buddhist monks and mourners gathered here on Saturday evening in front of the Royal Palace at a praying ceremony for Late King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk.
Some 5,000 Buddhist monks from different pagodas throughout Phnom Penh capital city chanted and prayed for the soul of the Late King-Father, the father of independence, territorial integrity, and national unity.
King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk passed away on Oct. 15 at 01:20 am (local time in Phnom Penh) in Beijing at the age of 90 from natural causes. His body was brought home on Oct. 17.
Cambodia is holding the official mourning period for the King-Father from Oct. 17 to 23. National flags are flying at 1/3 below the top of the mast across the country, while all entertainments are prohibited.
The King-Father’s body will be lying in state at the Royal Palace for at least three months before being cremated. During this period, civil servants, citizens and foreign friends can pay their last respects to the Late King-Father.
AKP Phnom Penh, October 21, 2012 –
