KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya Aidilfitri certainly brings joy not only to all Muslims in the country but also to those of different religions and cultures and even nationalities.
This year's Aidilfitri celebration carries particular significance for a pair of young interns from Japan and Indonesia, who had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the festivities at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
Expressing her enthusiasm, Miyu Iwamoto, 21, an intern with Bernama TV from Xianmen University Malaysia, described her inaugural Aidilfitri experience as profoundly meaningful, providing her with an intimate insight into Malaysian culture.
“I’m thrilled to join my Bernama colleagues in celebrating the festival because it’s my first time participating in such a vibrant event. I’ve not had such an experience back in Japan.
“I’m also delighted to experience a new culture, like the traditional attire they wear (baju Melayu/baju kurung) and savouring the delicious food,“ she said at Wisma Bernama today.
Iwamoto, adorned in a sleek black modern baju kurung, exuded the grace of a young lady from the Land of the Rising Sun.
As for Indonesian intern Cheroll Angsudjatmiko (pix), also attached to Bernama TV, who is from East Java, the Aidilfitri celebration here is much more livelier compared to home, due to Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
“The celebrations are similar to back home but Malaysian cuisine is more diverse and delicious. I enjoyed the lemang and ketupat especially, which we do not have in Indonesia.
“The variety of attire worn during the festival here is also fascinating, such as the ladies’ kebaya or baju kurung, and baju Melayu for men,“ she said.
Bernama organised an Aidilfitri buffet lunch for its working staff today aimed at making it a more festive occasion, with employees turning up in vibrant attire.
At the event, Bernama staff savoured special Aidilfitri delicacies such as lemang, chicken rendang, lontong, and Raya cookies.
