BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: As Hari Raya festivities enter its first week, homes and communities across Brunei remain lively with visits, gatherings, and continued celebrations. In the capital, families are still welcoming guests as part of the long-standing open house tradition.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is widely regarded as one of the most significant occasions in the country, marked by acts of forgiveness, gratitude, and togetherness. While the first day is often reserved for close family, the days that follow see social visits with friends, colleagues, and extended relatives reconnecting.
A local university student, Nur Izzati, 22, described the celebration as both meaningful and reflective. “Hari Raya feels like a reset. It’s a time to reconnect with family and seek forgiveness, which makes it very special.”
The open house tradition continues to play a central role in fostering community ties. Visitors are welcomed with a variety of traditional dishes such as ketupat, rendang, and satay, reflecting Brunei’s rich cultural heritage.
Haziq Rahman, 19, shared that the practice of visiting homes remains one of the highlights of the celebration.
“You can visit many people in one day, and everyone is very welcoming. It’s a time when you reconnect with relatives and friends.”
For older generations, the significance of Hari Raya lies in its deeper values. Dayang Salmah, 58, noted that the spirit of forgiveness and respect remains central throughout the festive period.
“We visit elders and ask for forgiveness. It is a meaningful tradition that brings families closer.”
As the celebrations continue into the week, Hari Raya in Brunei reflects a balance between tradition and modern life. While younger generations embrace contemporary elements, the core values of unity, generosity, and mutual respect remain unchanged. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
