Brunei Darussalam is a strictly Muslim country in a region predominated by Hinduism and Buddhism. Expectedly, Brunei’s public holidays are mainly Islamic, while the rest are celebrations related to the monarchy. Below is the list of Brunei public holidays 2013.
New Years Day – Tuesday, 1 January 2013
On this day, though not as widely celebrated as the Islamic New Year, Christians in Brunei join the Western world in celebrating the first day of the Gregorian calendar. Unlike other Gregorian calendar events (which are mostly Christian and are sometimes celebrated indoors for fear of political consequences), the Gregorian New Year is met with fireworks and street parties, especially around Jerudong Park and Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital.
Maulidur Rasul – Thursday, 24 January 2013
The Birth of The Prophet Muhammad is understandably one of the biggest events in a country whose official religion is Islam. For 12 nights leading to the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad, the devout gather at mosques, religious halls and other places of worship to attend the “Dikir Maulud” (a mass in commemoration of the prophet that features chanting of the scripts). On the day of Maulidur Rasul itself, able males of all ages wear their best “baju melayu” to an annual procession that forms the highlight of the events that took place in the last two weeks. (Baju melayu is the traditional outfit composed of long sleeved shirt with stiff collar and trousers draped by skirt-like fabric that is folded around the waist. The entire ensemble is completed with a dark-colored headgear called “songkok.”) The women also take to the streets, chanting “selawat” or prayers of peace.
Chinese New Year – Sunday, 10 February 2013
Brunei Chinese comprise 11% of the country’s population, and they drive the non-state commerce of this small Islamic country in the Bornean archipelago. Despite being considered foreigners by the indigenous Malay, the Brunei Chinese form the biggest minority group. Some of them are Muslim, but the majority are Taoists and Buddhists, and celebrate respective religious festivals. The start of the Lunar New Year is a big event in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, where most Chinese are concentrated. The Chinese New Year celebrations feature lion dances in front of Chinese temples in the capital, but quieter than their counterparts in mainland China and Taiwan.
National Day – Saturday, 23 February 2013
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah may have full executive authority over this small country now (Brunei is one of those few monarchies that have remained absolute to this day), but in the past Brunei was a British colony as Borneo, the bigger archipelago that it belongs to, was itself under the British protectorate. Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984, but observes the National Day on February 23 in commemoration of that first National Day celebrated in 1984 when crowds gathered at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium for the formal celebrations. Roads and avenues leading to the stadium are decorated with arches, decors and effects that light up Bandar Seri Begawan at night. The national flag is hoisted in every government building, edifices and houses, and people put on their traditional costumes to participate in grand parades and field performances that take place in the National Stadium. Muslims take to mosques and religious halls to perform “dikir” and reflect on Qur’an.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day – Friday, May 31 2013
Also known as the Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, this day commemorates the Royal Brunei Armed Forces established in 1961. The various departments that make up the Armed Forces participate in military parades that take place in various camps all throughout the country. These events are attended by the Commander in Chief (Sultan Bolkiah), the Minister of Defense, and key officials in the government. Aerial displays by the Air Force conclude the celebration.
Sultan’s Birthday – 15 July 2013
Every July 15th, Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan is awash in yellow, black and red and portraits of the Sultan in every turn. A grand parade is held in Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Square, where officials, dressed in colorful traditional garb, and heads of state of the Southeast Asian region await the motorcade that carries the Sultan and his family. The Sultan is entertained with cultural performances and afterwards shakes hands with everyday people who eagerly await his audience. A lavish banquet at one of the Sultan’s palace awaits him and his guests. This year, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will turn 67.
Israk Mikraj – Wednesday, 5 June 2013
The Prophet Muhammad was said to have completed his night journey and ascended to the heavens on this day. In Brunei, this occasion is celebrated with the awarding of “imam” and “bilal” which honors participants who are excellent in delivering the scripts of Qur’an and performing the “Azan” or prayer call, and have in-depth knowledge of Islam. The lay take this time to reflect on the Islamic scripts.
Hari Raya Puasa – Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Fasting is one of the most important obligation of a Muslim, and the start of Ramadan prepares them for this month-long cleansing. On this day, only “halal” (permissible) actions, thoughts and words are allowed, and eating and drinking fluids should be refrained from sunrise to sunset. All able-bodied Muslims are obliged to fast, except those who are pregnant, menstruating, infirm and old. Expect that people (especially those in the service and tourism industry) would be slower than usual as their bodies adjust to lack of food and fluids during regular office hours.
Nuzul Al-Quran – Thursday, 25 July 2013
The Anniversary of the revelation of Qur’an is commemorated on this day and celebrated with contests of different age groups who memorize the “surah” or Islamic verses.
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri – Thursday, 8 August 2013
The end of Ramadan is also greatly anticipated, so bazaars get busy as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri approaches, with Muslims getting ready to go home to their provinces to celebrate this event with their families. Food items and clothing are typically bought in teeming bazaars, and lavish meals are prepared to end the obligatory fast.
Hari Raya Aidil Adha – Tuesday, 15 October 2013
The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the sacrifice that Abram made in offering his son Ishmael to Allah. To celebrate this day, Muslims slaughter four-hooved animals and distribute their meat to the poor.
First Day of Muharram – Monday, 4 November 2013
The Islamic New Year is calculated using a lunar calendar, so it is months ahead of the Gregorian New Year. Muharram is one of the sacred months in Islamic calendar outside of Ramadan. On this day, the devout reflect on the Five Pillars of Islam and engage in fasting.
Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December 2013
The birth of the Christian savior is warmly celebrated in Brunei, albeit not in a wide scale.
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Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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