Sultan, Pakualam to hold open house

YOGYAKARTA: As part of the annual post-Idul-Fitri halal-bihalal tradition, Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono -- who is also the Sultan of Yogyakarta -- and his deputy Pakualam will open the Yogyakarta Palace here to the public.

Halal Bihalal is the tradition whereby Muslims shake hands and ask for forgiveness for their sins.

The open house, which is aimed at strengthening relationships between the two leaders and their people, will be held on Nov. 29, or three days after the Idul Fitri holiday.

The Idul Fitri holiday will fall on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26.

Yogyakartans, from all walks of life, are encouraged to visit the place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Hamengkubuwono and Pakualam are top members of the royal family in the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

"Yogyakartans who wish to greet and shake hands with the governor should feel free to attend the function," said Bambang Priyohadi, the secretary to the Yogyakarta provincial administration. -- Antara