Singapore - The expatriate community in Singapore was given a chance to soak in the merrymaking of the Muslim Hari Raya celebration on Sunday.
For the first time, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) organised a party to introduce them to the meaning of the occasion, while giving them a deeper understanding of the Malay Muslim culture.
The Hari Raya Party at the Malay Heritage Centre is part of the "SIF Xpats Connect" programme, which aims to give expatriates a deeper understanding of the various cultures in Singapore.
For Deepavali later this month, SIF is planning a Bollywood Dance Party for the same community.
Anke Lea Stuurman, an expatriate from Germany, said: "It is the first time that I`ve participated in a Malay dance performance. It is also the first time I`ve seen one. I think it is very beautiful."
Ray Grimmer, an expatriate from the United States, said: "It is a pleasure to learn about the Malay culture and to experience the food, clothing and the joy of the people."
Source: http://my.news.yahoo.com (October 06, 2008)