IPOH: Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah attended the state's 2024 Deepavali Celebrations at the Indera Mulia Stadium on Saturday (Nov 23).
Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Di Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, and Raja Puan Muda Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim also attended the festivities.
On his arrival at 3.30pm, His Royal Highness was given a warm welcome by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin.
Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara were present at the banquet, where dancers performed traditional Indian dances, such as the peacock dance and Bharathanatyam. The celebrations were attended by around 8,000 guests.
Sultan Nazrin also presented contributions to 67 orphans from 1 Malaysia, Gembala Baik, Vision Home, Pelangi Perak charity homes, and the Amanah An-Anur Maisarah Foundation.
Meanwhile, speaking at the event, Saarani highlighted the state's unique "Mini Malaysia" feature, where people of various ethnicities and cultures continuously uphold the spirit of togetherness and celebrate differences to reinforce harmony.
"However, in recent times, the peace and harmony of a multi-ethnic society are often overshadowed by racial and religious sentiments, causing social relations to be constantly pressured and on the brink of falling into divisions and hostility.
"The narrative of hatred has been recklessly stirred by igniting the flames of hostility. Issues circulating in society are being politicised along racial and religious lines in the pursuit of political gain, ultimately undermining the harmony and unity within the community," he said.
Saarani urged Perakians to work together in nurturing values of goodness to build unity, emphasising their responsibility to contribute to peace, strengthen mutual understanding, and solidify brotherhood – Bernama
