Streets in all parts of the DPRK including the capital city of Pyongyang are immersed in a festival atmosphere and the ardent yearning for Kim Jong Il.

From early in the morning, citizens of different social strata visited the statues and smiling portraits of the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il across the country.

The venues of the 18th Kimjongilia Festival and Kimjongilia shows were crowded with visitors.

Art performances praising Kim Jong Il were given at theatres and other cultural houses throughout the country.

The 23rd Paektusan Prize International Figure Skating Festival and a synchronized swimming demonstration are now going on here to mark the Day of the Shining Star.

Meanwhile, school youth and children and working citizens spent a pleasant time at such recreation centers as Munsu Water Park, Mirim Riding Club and Rungna Dolphinarium. People enjoying recreation facilities were seen in Mangyongdae Amusement Park, Taesongsan Amusement Park and Kaeson Youth Park.

The Okryu Restaurant and other catering centers served special dishes including noodle in flat vessel, terrapin food and ostrich steak.

Stalls in streets were serving roast chestnuts, sweet potatoes, wheat cakes stuffed with meat and barley tea to by-passers.

The DPRK people enjoying the Day of the Shining Star were filled with resolve to advance along the road of the Juche revolution, the Songun (military-first) revolution, under the guidance of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, true to Kim Jong Il's behests.