Burst Of Colour On Hari Raya Dazzles Foreign Diplomats
By Shareen Han, Shaflyi Azahari

Bandar Seri Begawan - Foreign diplomats find this year's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebrations as colourful as ever, with some corners of the Sultanate dazzling as never before.

"Compared to last year, the celebrations (this year) have been more colourful," Chinese Ambassador Yang Yanyi said after paying tribute to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzadin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, and other members of the Royal Family at Istana Nurul Iman.

Foreign dignitaries agreed that the adornment at the palace has made the' festivities all the more special, including vibrant flowers, deftly sculpted food - a chocolate fountain and a kampung house plus a bicycle in the paddock made entirely out of chocolate - and the elegant table placements for guests.

"The celebrations are also special this year, they coincide with His Majesty's 60th birthday, making the Hari Raya season even more meaningful," she said.

Philippine Ambassador Virginia H Benavidez said the Hari Raya celebrations in Brunei are getting better and better.

"There is an increasing number of people who look forward to meeting His Majesty and the Royal Family as this is a unique experience that only happens in Brunei," said the diplomat who attended 94 Hari Raya `open houses last year. Like most Bruneians, government officials, business executives and society leaders hold open houses to receive' employees, relatives, friends, busineAs partners and foreign diplomats for Hari Raya greetings.

The ambassador said it was a distinct honour and privilege for her to meet H.is Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan'of Brunei during Hari Raya for the fifth consecutive year.

"On behalf of my family, the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Brunei, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to the wonderful people of Brunei on the occasion of Hari Raya," she said.

British Hig11 Commissioner John Saville said he was happy to spend Hari Raya here.

"I would like to wish happy Hari Raya and a peaceful Eid Mubarak to Bruneian Muslims, MpafZahir and Batin," said the diplomat.

Her Majesty Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar, His Royal Highness Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah were also present to receive guests at the palace.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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