Astana Sarawak’s Open House Unites Visitors from Diverse Backgrounds
KUCHING: A lively and colourful atmosphere filled the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House 2026 hosted by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at Astana Sarawak on Saturday.
The event was not only marked by the presence of tens of thousands of visitors, but was also enriched by the many meaningful stories and experiences shared by those in attendance.
For a visitor from the United States, Iain Goddard, his excitement was clearly evident as he had the opportunity to attend the event again following a positive experience last year.
“We attended the Hari Raya Open House last year at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, and this year we made an effort to find this event again.
“I am very happy to be here because the atmosphere is truly beautiful. I also really enjoy seeing the lovely traditional attire and the attractive decorations.
“Based on my previous experience, I am sure the food served will be very delicious.
“Selamat Hari Raya to everyone celebrating this festival,” he said when met by UKAS during the open house.
Meanwhile, a visitor from Perak, Raja Rafirah Begum Raja Muhamad, described the Aidilfitri celebration in Sarawak as an emotional and deeply meaningful experience.
According to her, she is now accompanying her husband, who is from Sarawak, to celebrate the festival in the state after losing members of her paternal family.
“This is my first time celebrating and attending a Hari Raya Open House in Sarawak, and I am very excited by the lively atmosphere.
“Compared with the Peninsula, I no longer experience Hari Raya as I once did because my father’s side of the family is no longer around. However, here the sense of family is very strong with the presence of many relatives.
“This experience is very meaningful to me. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir dan batin to everyone,” she said.
For a local visitor, Henry Chuo from Kuching, the strong turnout despite the hot weather clearly reflected that the spirit of Aidilfitri remains strong among the community.
“I am very happy to be able to visit the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on the first day of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
“Although the weather is rather hot, the large number of visitors clearly shows that the spirit of Aidilfitri remains strong and festive.
“I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims. May everyone continue to enjoy visiting one another and strengthening ties,” he said.
The presence of visitors from various backgrounds also highlighted Sarawak’s appeal as a culturally rich tourism destination, while reflecting the spirit of unity and harmony among the state’s multi-ethnic communities, which remains a key strength of Sarawak. -UKASnews
