Adi Asmawi Adanan in London

BRUNEIAN students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland were seen recently flocking down to Tower Pier in London to board the Dixie Queen vessel to experience a different way of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri on the River Thames.

Although they are a few thousand miles away from home, the spirit of celebrating Aidilfitri remains within them.

Present as guest of honour at the event was Cikgu Abdullah Haji Ahad, Director of Studies from the Brunei Students’ Unit. Other guests included officers from the Brunei Students’ Unit and special guest photographer, Reeda Malik or better known as ‘Anak Brunei’.

The ceremony was organised by the Brunei Students’ Union (BSUnion) in cooperation with Brunei Students’ Unit, Yayasan SHHB, Widewater Ltd & The Rizqun International hotel.

The ceremony began with an opening speech by the guest of honour, followed by the recital of a doa to seek blessings. Guests were served traditional Malay dishes to further enliven the spirit of Aidilfitri. Guests also witnessed live performances in which students performed Raya songs.

A lucky draw prize presentation was also held where guests walked away with fabulous goodies. The main highlight of the ceremony was the fashion show, in which best dressed guests were chosen to be ‘ Awang Raya’ and `Dayang Raya’.

Awang Raya was awarded to Ali Abdul Aziz Jofri, while Marhazwani Nazihah Abu Hanafiah won the right to be Dayang Raya.

For the grand finale of the ceremony, guests went outside to the cruise ship deck to witness the raising of the Tower Bridge of London. It was not a common sight. We rarely experience the raising of the Tower Bridge. For most of the guests, it was their first experience to witness it. Celebrating Aidilfitri far away from home was not that bad at all as students got a chance to celebrate it on a cruise ship.

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