Lyna Mohamad
Foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam joined in the Hari Raya celebration as the nation began its festivities over the weekend.
At the gathering on the first day of Hari Raya at Istana Nurul Iman, the Bulletin had a chance to speak with a number of diplomats about their experiences of Aidilfitri.
Ambassador of Oman to Brunei Darusasalam Erma Said Mohamed Al Kathiry, who began her posting in November last year, shared that in Oman, the people would wake up early in the morning for prayers and have open houses, though it would mostly be for relatives and neighbours, and special dishes would be prepared for the occasion.
“However, our open houses only go on for three days, unlike here where it goes for one month,” she said.
Ambassador of Russia to Brunei Darussalam Mikhail Yladimirovich Baranov said the Sultanate is the first country with a majority Muslim culture to which he has been posted to, having previously been posted to China, Thailand and Laos. This would be the first time witnessing the celebrations, he said. “It is extremely interesting for me to see this new culture and new ways of the people here.
“I already had the opportunity to greet Bruneians during Ramadhan, and now with this Hari Raya celebration I extend my wishes, representing the multinational people in the Russian Federation, of peace and wellness of Bruneians,” he said.
He shared that Russian Muslims are now celebrating a similar holiday called Uraza Baira, and in Moscow, many would gather in streets near mosques to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, outgoing Ambassador of Vietnam to Brunei Darussalam Tran Van Khoa expressed his happiness to be able to join in the joyous celebration before he concludes his posting in the country. “On this occasion I wish for prosperity and happiness for the country and for the people.”
Before Brunei, he was posted in Bangladesh wherehe and his wife also had the chance to join Aidilfitri celebrations. “I have participated several Hari Raya events before, but this is the first time l am celebrating at the Istana.
“My wife and I feel very lucky to leave Brunei with this memorable experience.”
