Pyongyang, February 17 (KCNA) -- All the people in the DPRK celebrated with splendor the birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il, the greatest national holiday.

The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the sacred temple of Juche where President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il lie in state, and their statues and the mosaics depicting the peerlessly great men across the country were visited by many citizens.

Working people, youth and students in Pyongyang and provinces visited photo exhibition halls to recollect the noble revolutionary career of the Chairman who opened up a broad avenue for eternal victory and prosperity of Juche Korea with his iron will and superhuman efforts.

The national flags as well as visual aids were displayed at major places of Pyongyang and provincial, city and county seats and at institutions, enterprises, factories and farms across the country to rev up the festive mood.

There were art performances celebrating the holiday. A concert was given by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Moranbong Theatre, a music and dance performance by artistes of the Mansudae Art Troupe at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, a one-act play "Laughter" at the National Theatre, a combined acrobatic performance by artistes of the National Acrobatic Troupe at the Pyongyang Circus Theatre and performances by art groups from ministries and national agencies at the People's Palace of Culture, the Pyongyang Grand Theatre and the Central Youth Hall.

The Workers' Art Group of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea and the Railway Artistic Information Team gave out-door performances at various places in Pyongyang such as the Monument to Party Founding and Pyongyang Railway Station.

Colorful art performances were given in South Phyongan, North Hwanghae, Jagang, Kangwon and South Hamgyong provinces, Nampho Municipality and other regions.

Public catering establishments across the country were crowded with citizens, and happy laughter was heard at the Central Zoo, the Natural History Museum and other cultural and leisure centres. -0-