Festivals In Brunei Darussalam

Sultan Brunei

About Festival in Brunei Darussalam Country,  are always celebrated with colour, enthusiasm and happiness. 

Young and old from different races come together in a spirit of unity that we are justifiably proud of.

We invite you to join us, and enjoy the unique traditions that have been passed down to us by preceeding generations.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya is a time for celebration after the fasting month of Ramadhan.

 Prayers are held in the early morning of the first day at every mosque in the country.

 This day is usually an occasion for. The second day normally means open house; an invitation for all to visit. Special festive dishes are made The Brunei traditional food,  including ketupat (rice cakes), satay (beef and chicken kebabs), rendang (spicy marinated beef) and many others.

His Majesty the Sultan also throws his doors open to the people at the Istana Nurul Iman. 

This gives the people and visitors a chance to meet His Sultan Majesty and other members of the Royal Family, in order to wish them Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This is defintely an offer which should not be missed. When visiting you should dress conservatively. 

Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day

The formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces is commemorated every year on the 31st of May, and the event usually takes place at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien in the heart of the city. 

It consists of a military parade and displays, such as a parachuting show or battle demonstration. In other districts, units of the armed forces organise local parades and displays for the public. 

Hari Raya Aidiladha

This is also known as Hari Raya Koran. It marks the time when Muslims embark on the Haj, or holy pilgrimage to Mecca. 

The usual practice - for those who can afford it - is to sacrifice goats and cows. The meat is then distributed to relatives, friends and those who are less fortunate. 

His Majesty the Sultan's Birthday 15th of July

This joyous occasion is one of the most important events in the national calendar, with events and festivities taking place across the whole country. 

It usually starts when the people gather at the Taman Haji Sir Muda OmarAli Saifuddien, in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. 

His Majesty meets his subjects there and delivers a titah, or speech, to mark the occasion. 

Afterwards there is an investiture at the Istana Nurul Iman and, for the next two weeks or so, a series of processions, parades and celebrations. 

Fireworks displays take place and night markets - pasar malam - open up to sell food and drinks to the crowds. 

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad

This occasion is better known in Brunei as Mauludun Nabi SAW. Muslims gather at the Taman Haji Sir Oman Ali Saifuddien to honour the occasion.

There are readings from the Holy Koran and an address on Islam from the Ministry of reliroys Affairs to open the function. His Majesty the Sultan also gives a speech and then, along with other members of the Royal Family, leads a procession on foot through the main streets of Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei. 

The Prophet's birthday is also celebrated at the same time in other parts of the country, with lectures, religous functions and other activities. 

Chinese New Year

This festival is celebrated by the Chinese community and lasts two full weeks. It begins with a reunion dinner on the eve of the celebration which, traditionally, all members of the family attend. 

Open house is declared and everyone is invited to feast on sumptuous spreads of food and drink. Unmarried youngsters are given 'ang pow' - gifts of money in little red packets. 

Christmas Day

Although not celebrated on a wide scale, Christmas Day is nevertheless a joyous and colourful occasion, well received by the nation. It is centred on Bandar Seri Begawan and the Belait District, where the greatest concentrations of Christmas expatriates live. They also hold "open house" to entertain their friends and colleagues.