News that Istana Nurul Iman would once again be holding its traditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house brought widespread joy.
The event is anticipated during the festive season, offering not only the chance to visit the palace and enjoy the spread of food, but more importantly, to meet and greet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family in person.
Malihuddin bin Asin, a Filipino from Mindanao, Philippines who is married to a Bruneian, was among the thousands visiting the palace yesterday, accompanying his father-in-law, Sarabi bin Ami.
Although they live at the Istana staff quarters nearby, this was the second time Malihuddin had the opportunity to visit the palace and greet Their Majesties and the royal family. His first visit was the year before COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. Excited and happy to be able to visit again, Malihuddin, whose wife works at Istana Nurul Iman, expressed hope to make more visits in the future, as long as the Istana open house continues to be held.
Meanwhile, 75-year-old Dusun, Andam binti Lundu and her 71-year-old sister, Rikil binti Lundu, were among the senior citizens at the palace, their faces beaming with smiles and excitement as they patiently waited their turn to meet and greet Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and other female members of the royal family.
Andam was thrilled when she heard that the Istana Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house would be returning this year and delighted when her younger sister asked her to come along, just as in the previous years.
She added that she used to visit the Istana open house several times before the pandemic and feels fortunate that Rikil takes her along every time to meet and offer their Hari Raya wishes to members of the royal family.
Both sisters had been eagerly looking forward to the day and left home early in the morning, as Andam lives in Seria while her sister resides in Kampong Bukit in the Tutong District.
Rikil said the reopening of the Istana Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house was welcome news, as they have always awaited the moment Their Majesties would open the palace doors again during the festivities.
An active member of the Kampong Bukit Village Consultative Council who regularly participates in council activities, Rikil who is also busy selling handicrafts, said they will continue to come as long as they are able and in good health.
They hoped Their Majesties will continue the tradition in the years to come.
Andam, who spends her time tending her betel leaves plantation, said she always looks forward to meeting members of the royal family, as this is the only opportunity she has to meet them in person, even if it is only for a brief moment.
Both Andam and Rikil wished Their Majesties and members of the royal family good health, prosperity, longevity, and happiness, and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the golden opportunity.
Despite undergoing an operation several years ago, 50-year-old Shahrin bin Haji Mohd Jamin from Kampong Sengkurong was in high spirit as he had always been waiting for the resumption of the Istana Hari Raya open house. His last visit was many years ago.
“I was very excited and could not wait for the morning to come and get ready for the visit. What I have waited for so long had finally come and I could barely sleep as I didn’t want to oversleep and miss this opportunity that comes only once a year,” he said.
Shahrin, who works for Radio Television Brunei (RTB) also expressed gratitude that despite having partial paralysis, he was able to come with his son, who had also accompanied him on his first visit.
His 24-year-old son, Mohd Wazien bin Shahrin, recalled that he was around 12 years old when his father first brought him to the palace during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. He remembers his first impression was how enormous the palace was.
“Being a young kid, I remember I couldn’t help but look around in amazement. Seeing the spread of festive food was really exciting. But the most significant memory is meeting His Majesty in person and greeting ‘Selamat Hari Raya’. I took pride in sharing my experience with my friends.”
The father and son noted that the difference between then and now was that previously, they had to park their car quite a distance from the Istana and walk all the way up.
However, with the palace now providing transport at designated pick-up points, it was
more convenient.
The management of the transportation was also well organised with the event proceeding smoothly. – Lyna Mohamad
