For us city dwellers who are often caught up in the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced KL lifestyle, it is always important that we take a step back to treasure those around us and savour precious moments with our loved ones. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the city’s premier shopping haven, will be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year to pay homage to the nation’s rich culture and heritage in a manner that spells out royalty and decadence. In partnership with Royal Terengganu Songket, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur will be rekindling old traditions and reflecting on the significance of Hari Raya by bringing to life the art of Songket-weaving, from 3 July to 3 August 2014, at Centre Court.
The launch of this event started off with traditional Gamelan music by SUKTRA Terengganu that serenated the guests. Thereafter the guest of honor arrived, Her Royal Highness Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Sultanah of Terengganu whom is also the Patron of Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah. Along with Tuanku were Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah Binti Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Fatimatuz Zahra Binti Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, YBhg To’ Puan Sri Nur Rahmah Mohd Zain and the entourage. Songket dancers then graced the audiences with a traditional dance that delighted everyone.
Joyce Yap, CEO of Retail, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur then gave a speech and said, “As an international shopping destination that attracts millions of visitors from various cultures, we understand the importance of treasuring Malaysia’s cultural gems, and of these treasure is the art of Songket-weaving, a tradition rooted deeply within our heritage. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur aims to unite people from all walks of life under one hub, by bringing to life culturally-rich traditions that are close to Malaysian’s hearts. This Raya, we place the limelight on the age-old art of Songket-weaving by introducing the nation’s heritage to the lives of urban shoppers and tourists alike,”
“It has been a pleasure working with Royal Terengganu Songket on this campaign to bring to our shoppers, both local and international, a taste of one of Malaysia’s traditions. This is a perfect avenue for families, to spend quality time together and for parents to introduce to their children the art of Songket-weaving. With this exhibition, families can then retain the true value of Songket-weaving and ensure its preservation in generations to come. International visitors on the other hand can truly experience the cultures of Malaysia and sample the best of Hari Raya traditions at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.”
After which, the Raya festivities was officiated by Her Royal Highness Sultanah Nur Zahirah, YBhg To’ Puan Sri Nur Rahmah Mohd Zain, Joyce Yap and Ken Yang that marked the beginning of the month-long celebration. With that grand launch of Weaving Tradisi Raya, it then followed by a fashion show of traditional Songket pieces by Royal Terengganu Songket.
To revitalise the art of Songket-weaving, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur will be having an exhibition to feature the rich origins of Songket-weaving. Visitors and shoppers can look forward to weaving demonstrations by Royal Terengganu Songket. During the exhibition, visitors can also try on the Songket and be mesmerised by the timeless beauty of this exquisitely sewn fabric.
Also look forward to an exhibition hosted by Ken Yang, an international Malaysian painter and royal portraitist who lived and worked in Paris for more than 12 years. He is a first-class historical painter and lends crucial importance to the preservation of traditions. As an artist who makes it his mission to revitalise forgotten artwork, he is a perfect fit for Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Hari Raya 2014 theme. Yang’s artwork and royal portraits will be displayed at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur throughout the Hari Raya celebrations.
From 3 July to 3 August 2014, visitors can enjoy other exciting and educational activities that includes traditional Songket-weaving demonstration and Aidilfitri band music performance.
Spend RM300 in a single receipt at any specialty stores during the Raya season at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur will receive exclusively designed Hari Raya packets. The redemption can be made at concierge desks and it is limited to a maximum of two packs per shopper daily.
For more information, kindly contact Pavilion KL’s Concierge at 03 2118 8833 or check real-time updates on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/PavilionKL.
