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 Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam hosted a special Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering for VIP guests at Istana Nurul Iman on the first day of the celebration.
Held in grand fashion at the Banquet Hall of the palace on Monday, the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house was a splendid occasion to mark the beginning of the festive season.
Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah binti Dato Haji Nasir; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Also present were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, along with other members of the royal family.
Among the guests in attendance were state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats, and senior government officials.
The celebration was a spectacle to behold, brimming with festive cheer and vibrant colours. Guests arrived dressed in their finest Hari Raya attire, with some foreign dignitaries wearing their distinctive traditional garments, adding a multicultural flair to the event.
A replica of the iconic Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque served as the centrepiece, complemented by stunning floral arrangements, twinkling lights, and an exquisite array of festive cuisine.
Before His Majesty departed the Banquet Hall, guests had the opportunity to engage in light conversations and offer greetings. Female guests were also granted the honour to junjung ziarah Her Majesty and other female members of the royal family, extending well wishes and festive greetings to mark the joyful occasion. – Lyna Mohamad
