HRH Prince Sisowath Chivannariddh, son of Minister of Culture HRH Princess Norodom Bopha Devi and an Undersecretary of State for Tourism

T

wo grandchildren of King Norodom Sihanouk were the central players in the ancient

drama of the annual Royal Plowing Ceremony in Phnom Penh on Sunday, May 21.

HRH Prince Sisowath Chivannariddh, son of Minister of Culture HRH Princess Norodom

Bopha Devi and an Undersecretary of State for Tourism, solemnly drove oxen and plow

three times around the field in front of the national museum, above, after arriving

in state, far right, on a royal palanquin, accompanied by curious royal instruments

like the mobile gamelan, left, whose players march inside it.

HRH Princess Rattana Devi, an aide to her father HRH Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Speaker

of the National Assembly, arrived in a litter, then followed Prince Chivannariddh

around the field, scattering seed on the newly furrowed ground.

HRH Princess Rattana Devi

The splendid pageant was presided over by Their Majesties King Norodom Sihanouk and

Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, seen arriving at the field, above left, followed

by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Ranariddh and Princess Marie.

After the plowing the royal oxen devoured grain from gilded platters in the center

of the field, and the Royal Astronomer, Din Prum, interpreted the oxen's appetite

as portending adequate rain and a plentiful harvest.

 

 

The stupa in front of the Phnom Penh railway station was the focus of Visak Bochea, on Wednesday, May 17, a celebration marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha 2543 years ago