PHNOM PENH, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Fireworks were shot into the sky over the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace here Tuesday night to celebrate the 71st birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
The dazzling fireworks were displayed for about 20 minutes and their colorful explosions caught the eyes of throngs of well-wishers and strollers on both sides of the river.
Blessing messages from the leaders of the Senate, the National Assembly, and the government have been widely read on television channels and radios, published on newspapers, and posted on social media.
The King's birthday is a public holiday in the Southeast Asian country.
As in previous years, the King did not host any lavish celebrations on his birthday, but attended a Buddhist ceremony held at the Royal Palace.
Sihamoni was born on May 14, 1953. He was inaugurated and formally anointed as the King of Cambodia on Oct. 29, 2004, after his father, the late King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated due to health problems. ■