Long queues and sweltering heat did not dispirit thousands of Bruneians, expatriates and tourists as they visited the Istana Nurul Iman during the three-day open palace, which saw a total of 100,802 people descend on the palace to meet and greet the royal family.

The final day yesterday saw a total of 14,870 well-wishers visiting the Istana in the morning session while 18,429 more came in the afternoon to grab the golden opportunity to offer Hari Raya Aidilfitri wishes to the monarch and members of the royal family.

Istana Nurul Iman welcomed 34,397 and 33,106 visitors respectively in the first two days of the royal family's open palace.

The open palace, which is held for three days in a year, offers visitors the chance to convey greetings to 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, Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and members of the royal family.

Joining His Majesty to greet his male subjects and visitors during the morning session of Junjung Ziarah were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO); His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel; and other members of the royal family.

Meanwhile, accompanying Her Majesty to grant audience to female well-wishers at a separate area of the royal palace were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah binti Dato Haji Nasir; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah (morning only); Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah (afternoon only); Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah (morning only); Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam. Also present were Their Majesties' grandchildren.

Among the well-wishers included senior citizens, converts from across the country, private sector employees, special needs people, youth and children. They greeted Their Majesties in person and conveyed Hari Raya greetings.

Istana Nurul Iman's open palace is synonym with Hari Raya not just for the people of Brunei, but also for the expatriate community working here and the foreign tourists who are in the country during the celebrations.
The Hari Raya festivities in Brunei are unique which highlight a peaceful and prosperous nation, ruled by a benevolent monarch.

Free buses were provided to shuttle guests from the city centre to the palace, where the media observed excited crowds gather from as early as 7am.

Despite the queueing involved, the atmosphere was upbeat and celebratory. The vast dining hall was complete with royal opulence. More than six types of Malay cuisines ranging from mutton, beef and prawns as well as pasta and barbeque chicken were dished out for the buffet.

The decorated hall was crowded with hundreds of families sharing tables covered with gold lame cloths. Hari Raya songs echoed in the background.

Visitors also enjoyed the drinks stations for a cup of teh tarik, coffee and hugely popular Milo chocolate malt drink before leaving with yellow boxes of souvenirs exclusively prepared by the royal palace.

The open palace tradition highlights His Majesty's love and concern for the people and the people's love for their monarch. For visitors, such a face-to-face is a fabulous experience, leaving indelible memories in their minds.

Istana Nurul Iman will always be open in the minds of them and the love and affection extended by the royal family will continue to fill them with happiness and peace for a long time to come.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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