HIS Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah hosted an open house to mark the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Tuesday.

The joyous occasion was held at the Balai Penghadapan at Bukit Kayangan. Joining the royal hosts were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Nor’ain, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah.

The guests comprising ministers, foreign envoys, high ranking government officials and prominent expatriates as well as businessmen were welcomed and greeted by Their Royal Highnesses as well as by other members of the royal family.

They then enjoyed the specially-prepared raya food, boasting lines of delectable local dishes as well as a number of different desserts and treats in the form of pastries, puddings, sweets and many more.

The interior of Balai Penghadapan was warmly lit and the main hall was resounded with live music playing hari raya and traditional songs and enlivened with the cheerful chatter of visiting guests. - Borneo Bulletin (31 July 2014)