Cambodia Nominates Khmer Traditional Wedding for UNESCO Intangible Heritage List

The nomination dossier—titled "Khmer Traditional Wedding, Khmer Marriage, or Kar"—was submitted to the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) on April 2, 2024. In the document, Cambodia reiterates its commitment to protect its very ancient cultural customs that continue to be practiced across the country today.

The Ministry confirmed that its technical working party is now in touch with the ICH Secretariat to finalize the outstanding procedural steps as a result. The nomination is now being examined by impartial experts and, up to now, the process has sufficiently followed UNESCO's guidelines.

The Kingdom of Cambodia's intent in submitting the 'Khmer Traditional Wedding, Khmer Marriage, or Kar' is to protect and preserve the traditional customs of the Khmer people since ancient times and popularly and staunchly observed by the people today. It is also an attempt to inform the world of the rich cultural heritage and old civilization of Cambodia and more so the unique traditions of the Khmer wedding ceremony," the spokesperson added.

The intricate Khmer Traditional Wedding Ceremony accommodates various ritual practices like formal wedding ceremonies, ceremonial attire, traditional songs and music, and symbolic rituals. These practices are rooted in Cambodian tradition and are still passed down from generation to generation.

Preparation for the nomination involved wide-ranging collaboration between government offices, the private sector, and most importantly, local communities and cultural practitioners who uphold and maintain the tradition.

The ultimate choice of the inscription by UNESCO will most probably be made known by the end of 2026. Upon approval, this will be the addition to Cambodia's growing list of world-recognized intangible cultural heritage that already boasts the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, Sbek Thom (Khmer shadow theatre), Tugging rituals and games, Kun Lbokator (historic Cambodian martial arts), and Krama, Cambodia's woven traditional cloth.