Palace of the Golden Horses’ Orchid Ramadan Raya Festival Embodies the Meaning of Ramadan and Religious Harmony
The festival’s launching, which was held on the 21st of March 2023 at Palace of the Golden Horses, was attended by Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Founder and Advisor of Country Heights Holdings Berhad and Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education Trust; Dato’ Sheikh Hussain Yee, Founder and President of Al Khaadem Foundation; and religious heads and representatives of various religion.
As a joint initiative with Al Khaadem Foundation and Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education Trust, the Orchid Ramadan Raya welcomes people from all faiths and backgrounds to network in order to strengthen diversity and knowledge for a harmonious society.
The launching of the festival, which was held concurrently with the “Warisan Serantau” Ramadan Preview, showcased Islamic Culture and Art, the Orchid Garden and the Musical Laser Light Show which provided attendees with a first taste of the celebration that will be held throughout the holy month of Ramadan. A Maghrib Prayer was also held for the Muslims during the launching.
During his speech at the launching, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew said, “As Malaysians, we should adhere to our National Principles (Rukun Negara). Thus, I have decided to organise this Orchid Ramadhan Raya Festival to honour the first and fifth principles, which are Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan and Kesopanan Dan Kesusilaan respectively.”
“Also, based on the first and third national principles (Keluhuran Perlembagaan), even though I am not a Muslim, I respect and will continue to promote the nilai-nilai murni of Islam, as I believe that Quran is the best medicine and Hadith is the best vitamin.”
Dato’ Sheikh Hussain Yee expressed during his speech, “As proud Malaysians in a multi-religion country, we should respect our roots. Muslims and non-Muslim alike should experience the true meaning of Ramadan for self-reflection together.”
The Religious Heads and Representatives who attended comprised ten prominent individuals from different religious communities and offered their feedback at the launching event. This includes Dr. Amir Farid, President of INSaF; Tuan Haji Jamaluddin, from the Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs; Daozhang Tan Hoe Chieow, from the Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia; Ven Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana, from the Buddhist Maha Vihara; Venerable Jue Cheng, from the Fo Guang Shan Association; Sister Loh Pai Ling, President of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia; Reverend Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, from the Archdiocese of KL; and Sri Kasi T. Genesan, from Malaysia Hindu Sangam.
Orchid Ramadan Raya will organise a 30-day educational programme throughout the month of Ramadan that will further deepen attendees’ understanding of Islam and the meaning of Ramadan, promote cultural exchange, and demolish misinformation barriers.
"We are excited to bring Orchid Ramadan Raya to everyone this year for a celebration of community, culture, and tradition, and we believe that the beauty and elegance of orchids will create an unforgettable experience," said Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.
“We are proud to partner with Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education Trust to organize the Orchid Ramadan Raya. By coming together, we can create a brighter future characterized by mutual respect, inclusivity, and unity for all Malaysians,” said Dato’ Sheikh Hussain Yee.
The venue for the festival will be specially decorated with flowers to create an immersive environment filled with glamour and beauty. This flower-garden concept can be adopted and applied for future wedding events at the venue.
Palace of The Golden Horses will also host the "Warisan Serantau" Ramadan buffet dinner, which will feature a wide selection of authentic local and international dishes, including traditional Malaysian favourites, Middle Eastern delicacies with more than 30 over menu spread. Early bird is priced at RM168, while the normal price is RM198 (adults) and RM100 (children and senior citizens). Group booking discounts are also available. Interested public can book a spot for the buffet at https://ghhs.com.my/pgh/ramadhan/.
Additionally, the event will feature other activities that showcase the Islamic tradition that can help promote a deeper connection to Islam. This includes the world's longest Quran paper-cutting artwork and dedicated hall sections for daily prayers allowing visitors to deepen their spiritual connection during this special time of year.
The World Longest Quran
This Quran masterpiece is 208 meters long, and 1.15 meters wide, which is the world’s longest format that requires the most labour, and is the most comprehensive “Quran” Paper-cut scroll. With 3.5 years of meticulous planning, and creative scheduling, it utilizes the traditional Chinese paper-cut method and framed art of craft to make the distinguished Islam 114 Quran chapters brilliantly.
The entire project was guided by Muslim scholars and authority. It is produced by 70 special paper-cut artists and led by Yusuf Xu Jun (born July 1971 in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province), who is currently the Deputy Secretary-General of the Hui Nationality Health Professional Committee of the Chinese National Health Association and also a member of the Chinese Hui Nationality Association. For 10 years, Mr. Yusuf Xu Jun has been committed to the study of national culture and artistic exploration, and has developed numerous handicrafts with Islamic characteristics one after another. In 2008, combined with China's 5,000-year-old culture, traditional paper-cutting techniques, rice paper techniques, mounting techniques, silk techniques and unique scrolling methods, the world's first paper-cut version of the Qur'an was designed and produced.
Art & Culture (Islamic Calligraphy)
Bilal Calligraphy
We are also featuring 120 unique calligraphy which can be purchased as your unique collection, produced by Mr Bilal. Mr Bilal is a Chinese Muslim artist who specializes in Arabic calligraphy. He has been practicing this art for more than 30 years and has integrated Chinese traditional culture into Arabic calligraphy, creating a unique style that is highly praised by art lovers and Muslim compatriots.
Musical Laser Light Show (Aurora Light)
We are bringing the magnificent Aurora to you. Experience the immersive musical laser light (inspired by the beautiful Aurora Polar Light) with us at the Orchid Ramadhan Raya celebration.
Comments