Culture Ministry Submits Nomination Dossier of Khmer Traditional Wedding for UNESCO Recognition Since April 2024
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AKP | Phnom Penh, July 08, 2025 --The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia has prepared and submitted the nomination dossier for the “Khmer Traditional Wedding, Khmer Marriage, or Kar” to the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) on April 2, 2024, with the aim of having it inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The update was shared by H.E. SUM Map, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in an official statement released this afternoon.
At present, he added, the Ministry’s technical working group is continuing to coordinate with the ICH Secretariat to complete the remaining steps as required. To date, the registration process has been proceeding properly and in full compliance with UNESCO’s procedures. The nomination is currently under review and evaluation by the relevant independent and professional bodies of ICH.
“The objective of the Kingdom of Cambodia in nominating the ‘Khmer Traditional Wedding, Khmer Marriage, or Kar’ is to preserve and safeguard the traditional customs of the Khmer people, which date back to ancient times and remain widely and faithfully practiced by the population today. This effort also seeks to share with the world the rich cultural heritage and ancient civilisation of Cambodia, particularly the unique traditions surrounding the Khmer wedding ceremony,” he underlined.
The spokesperson praised the strong cooperation among government institutions, the private sector, and especially the local communities, including the bearers and practitioners of the tradition in the preparation of this nomination. The resulting nomination dossier and supporting documents fully comply with the guidelines outlined in the Operational Directives of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Khmer Traditional Wedding Ceremony encompasses a wide range of customs, including the organisation of wedding rituals, traditional wedding music and songs, ceremonial attire, adornments, and other culturally significant elements. These deeply rooted traditions continue to be preserved, practiced, and cherished by the Khmer people as an essential part of married life.
According to the spokesperson, the final inscription and official recognition by UNESCO is expected to take place by the end of 2026.
By C. Nika
