BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah celebrated the annual Muslim festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri with foreign envoys on Thursday.

The Sultan, along with other members of the royal family, welcomed foreign delegates from more than 20 countries at Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace of Brunei.

Besides foreign diplomats, Brunei's cabinet ministers, senior government officials and other invited guests also joined the first day of Hari Raya celebration at the palace.

Hari Raya is Brunei's traditional festival, which falls at the end of the Muslim fasting month.

The sultanate celebrates Hari Raya with three-day national holiday starting from Thursday. Istana Nurul Iman will open its gate for three days from Friday, enabling the public to meet and convey their greetings to the Sultan and other members of the royal family during the festive celebration.