| Rokiah Mahmud |
DESPITE the sweltering heat outside and queueing involved, the atmosphere was upbeat and celebratory at the Istana Nurul Iman as thousands of people gathered to meet and greet 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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and other members of the royal family on the first day of the annual Istana Nurul Iman open house yesterday.
People dressed in colourful attires were seen gathering at the main gates of the Istana as early as 7am. The visitors also comprised officers and staff from the Prime Minister’s Office and departments under it, officers and personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) as well as government officers and staff.
The Istana was complete with royal opulence where at the vast dining hall the visitors were treated to various specially-prepared appetisers, main course, pastries and other delectable dishes.
Among sea of well-wishers were senior citizens and one of them was a first-time visitor to Istana 84-year-old Hajah Timah binti Haji Mohd Daud who came for the event along with her family, assisted by her daughter Noralam binti Sijim and children.
Hajah Timah expressed her excitement over getting the opportunity to visit the Istana for the first time.
“It’s a great experience to bring my mother to meet and greet Their Majesties. It will always remain as the most meaningful yet memorable event in our life,” Noralam said.
Meanwhile, 86-year-old Pengiran Haji Abdul Samad bin Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar said, “It’s my annual practice to come to the Istana Nurul Iman to meet and greet Their Majesties as well as members of the royal family.”
The annual Istana Nurul Iman open house is a much-anticipated event by all who come dressed in their best, fancy and colourful attire regardless of their age, nationalities, status or background.
Brunei Darussalam is well-known for the annual Istana open house tradition which is unique to the country where the public is given the opportunity to visit the palace within the span of three days to meet the royal family members to personally wish them Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The open Istana 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 meeting is a fabulous experience, leaving indelible memories in their minds.
The final day of the open Istana will be tomorrow.
