In anticipation of the arrival of Syawal and Aidilfitri festivities, 1 Utama Shopping Centre is welcoming shoppers to experience the rich heritage of traditional Minangkabau houses and culture together with entertaining performances throughout its ‘Setulus Pertemuan, Semurni Ikatan’ Raya celebrations from 8 April to 8 May 2022.
Taking inspiration from ethnic Minangkabau tribes in Negeri Sembilan and West Sumatra, a 41-feet-high Rumah Gadang (communal big house) with its prominent signature upswept curved roof reminiscent of buffalo horns, intricate floral carvings and vibrant painted designs has been recreated at 1 Utama’s Oval concourse flanked by swaying palm trees in a nostalgic kampung-like setting.
Carved from timber with a bamboo ceiling interior, step inside the lavishly embellished wooden house on stilts for a full interactive Insta-worthy experience that will definitely catch everyone’s attention. Explore picturesque views from the Serambi porch, inner vintage bedroom in Rumah Ibu, a dapur with kitchen utensils and even traditional wedding regalia and musical instruments exhibited at the Pangkal.
Don’t forget to check out the olden-day barn and lesung kaki tool to pound rice as another camera spot for selfies. Over at Centre Court concourse, friends and family will have the opportunity to sit inside a life-sized kereta lambai (bullock cart) to snap more photos.
Shoppers can also expect plenty of shopping treats at festive stalls and pick up a plethora of Hari Raya offerings from an array of fashionable apparel, gift sets, jewelry and bags, delectable food like rendang atuk, kueh bahulu, cookies and more.
To showcase the beauty of Negeri Sembilan’s performing arts and traditions, a variety of stage shows, music and dances such as the gamelan, tarian endang, silat, dikir barat, tarian lilin, cak lempong and tarian rakyat padi will surely enliven the festive mood and lend a true-to-life traditional Raya ambience at 1 Utama.
