KUCHING: In a heartwarming show of tradition and community spirit, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Sanusi joined Astana Negeri staff on Sunday morning to prepare Bubur Asyura in celebration of 10 Muharram 1447H.
Notably, this marked the first time the Bubur Asyura preparation event has ever been held at the Astana Negeri Sarawak, adding historical significance to the gathering and highlighting the commitment to preserve and celebrate Sarawak’s cultural traditions.
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah arrived at 10.30 am and were warmly welcomed by private secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Junih Salleh Ahmad; senior press secretary, Samuel Simon; and officers of Astana Negeri Sarawak.
Their presence added to the joy and spirit of the event, which was carried out in a communal spirit of gotong-royong by the Astana Negeri staff, led by Salleh Kram, and his chefs from Hawa Catering.
During the gathering, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah joined in to stir the Bubur Asyura, a hearty dish made from selected beans, rice, meat, and aromatic spices.
Wan Junaidi shared that the tradition of cooking Bubur Asyura has been a long-standing practice in Sarawak, dating back generations.
In the past, children would visit neighbours’ homes, be served Bubur Asyura, and receive small sums of money as gifts, a symbol of charity and goodwill from the hosts.
Expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to mark the new year on 10 Muharram 1447H, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah expressed their thanks for gathering and working together with the staff of Astana Negeri Sarawak.
They expressed that such noble traditions and values would continue to bring blessings, joy, and well-being to all.
