In line with the Hari Raya celebrations, and for the first time as Singapore Head of State, Halimah Yacob is all set to host the Hari Raya open house event at the Istana this coming June 15.
The Istana will be open to the public from 8:30 am ‘til 6:00 pm, where the President Halimah Yacob herself is expected to welcome underprivileged children and youths, as well as their caregivers into the grounds of the official presidential office and residence in Singapore.
President Halimah Yacob’s First Hari Raya Open House at the Istana Kicks Off on June 15
In President Halimah’s words, “Hari Raya is a time for celebration, reflection and spending time with our families. It is also a time for us to practice generosity to those around us, so amidst the festivities, let us also not forget those who may be less fortunate within our community.”
The President also expressed joy and eagerness to meet the children and youths from some of the social service organizations which she has paid community visits to.
The children, whose ages range from 7 to 18 years old, are supported by various social service organizations which include Boy’s Town and the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home and will be joined by representatives from their homes as well as families.
The kids will be treated to a magic show and tea at the West Drawing Room in the Istana, and a meet and greet with President Halimah and her husband, Mr Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee.
There will also be an exciting lineup of activities for the public who will be at the Istana grounds on the said date. Expect performances from the Anglo Chinese School (Independent), St. Hilda’s Secondary School, and People’s Association. There will also be a unique Malay dance performance prepared by students from Woodlands Secondary School.
Other highlights of the open house event include a bird exhibit by Wildlife reserves Singapore, a Henna art painting booth by Cognizant, a balloon sculpting stall by Singtel, and other carnival games.
There will also be a number of guided walk tours available within the Istana grounds such as the Nature Guided Walk, or sign up for a guided tour in the Istana Main building and check out some of the function rooms and halls filled with gifts from various foreign dignitaries on display.
Interestingly, visitors can opt to go on a self-guided walking tour of the Istana using mobile app called the “Istana Garden Walk”, which has a map showing places of interest around the Istana, and a self-guided Plants Trail which identifies the locations of 10 beautiful plant species housed in the Istana Gardens.
Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) get to enjoy free entry to the Istana grounds on 15 June whereas all other guests will be charged a minimal $2 entry fee per individual.