KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The vibrant spirit of unity displayed by Malaysians of all races and religions, coming together to celebrate Aidilfitri, has amplified the joy of the festival, resonating across the nation.
No matter where they are - be it in the southern region, the east coast, or the northern part of the country - people seize the opportunity on this joyous occasion to strengthen family and community bonds, by attending open house events and visiting relatives.
This was evident in JOHOR, where approximately 20,000 people gathered at the Aidilfitri Open House, hosted by Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, at his official residence in Saujana, Johor Bahru. Guests were treated to an array of traditional delicacies from 34 stalls, serving favourites such as mi rebus, laksa Johor, burasak, ketupat, rendang, and nasi biryani.
First-time visitor, Vivinraj Muthu, 24, expressed his amazement at the overwhelming turnout, saying he never expected to witness such a diverse crowd coming together to celebrate Aidilfitri.
Meanwhile, Goh Sook Fong, 59, travelled from Pulai just to experience the festive atmosphere and indulge in the variety of sumptuous traditional raya dishes, embracing the spirit of unity and togetherness which defines the celebration.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the spirit of togetherness was evident as approximately 10,000 people of various races, from across the state, gathered at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, from as early as 9 am, to celebrate Aidilfitri.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud graced the ‘Majlis Istana Terbuka’, adding to the joyous atmosphere. To the delight of many, His Royal Highness also presented duit raya to children in attendance.
One visitor, Iznur Zaini, 27, shared his enthusiasm, saying that he and his friends never miss the palace's open house event during Aidilfitri, calling it a wonderful platform to foster unity among communities.
“Everyone - Malays, Indians, and Chinese - comes together here. The festive raya atmosphere is truly alive,” said the Kuala Pilah native.
Meanwhile, in KELANTAN, the ‘Majlis Penghadapan Aidilfitri’, hosted by Istana Negeri at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, drew thousands of people from different backgrounds, all dressed in vibrant raya attire, reflecting the diversity and harmony of the celebration.
For 60-year-old Liew Fong, attending the Aidilfitri open house at Istana Balai Besar was a first-time experience - one that allowed him to savour traditional delicacies, such as ketupat, lemang, and kuih muih.
“This open house is incredibly lively, and the food is absolutely delicious. I truly believe that events like these should continue, as they play a vital role in fostering and strengthening unity in Kelantan,” he said.
In SELANGOR, private sector employee, Raihana Md Zain, 32, shared that Aidilfitri is the perfect occasion for her and her siblings to reunite, despite celebrating the festival far from their birthplace in Kelantan.
Having lived in Shah Alam for over 20 years, five of her 11 siblings now consider it their hometown, especially after the passing of their parents in 2003 and 2012.
“The Aidilfitri celebration is always filled with warmth, because we make it a point to gather at our eldest brother's or sister's house. This is the one time of year when we can all come together, as everyone is on holiday without fail,” she told Bernama.
In PERLIS, for Rahimah Abdullah, 60, from Kampung Sanglang, Arau, this year's Aidilfitri was particularly meaningful, as all her children, who reside in Kuala Lumpur, managed to return home to celebrate together - something which hadn’t happened in three years.
“Alhamdulillah, this year, all my children were able to be here. In the past, some were tied up with work, while others were studying abroad, so moments like these are truly precious to me,” she told Bernama.
-- BERNAMA
