Write an essay on the advantages of open house in not less than 200 words

The headline states exactly that: A pure welcome! Malaysias famous Open House concept is
really like no other anywhere in the world and speaks volumes for the hospitality of Malaysian hosts.
Open Houses are held during religious and cultural festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid), Chinese New
Year, Christmas and Deepavali. An Open House event connotes that anyone can visit the home of a
friend or associate during a particular celebration. However, an invitation stating the time and date will
be necessary to avoid embarrassment and surprises. Open Houses in other states in Malaysia are time
specific and will have to be invited by the host and it can happen anytime during the one month
celebration of Shawal after the one month fasting of Ramadhan
.
The beauty of these Open Houses, however, is that even the Prime Minister, other Cabinet
Ministers, Chief Ministers of the respective states, Opposition leaders, political parties, government and
private institutions, and individuals, will have their own open houses during their respective festive
celebrations. The dates for the Open Houses by the Politicians will be publicized via the media and
social media pages. However, foreign dignitaries and certain VIPs will receive official invitations from
the hosts. The Prime Minister will usually have his Open House at the Prime Ministers residence on the
first day of Eid and dont be surprised to see guests from all walks of life shaking hands with the Prime
Minister and other Cabinet Ministers, and then enjoying the buffet spreads. For individual hosts, they
often prepare their own dishes as it is a form of pride to showcase your skills as a host and chef.
For the children and guests with special needs, they will be given ang pows (small packets
containing money, the amount of which differs and is up to the individual hosts) for the Hari Raya and
Chinese New Year Open Houses. The packets will usually be green for Hari Raya and red for Chinese
New Year. To the Malaysians, the Hari Raya open house concept promotes the Malaysian multi-racial
culture the 1Malaysia. The tradition of holding open house and visiting one another during festive
occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri has been one of the most important unifying factors in Malaysia and
such, it will be nurtured, especially for the young to experience it.
It is often said that one has not been to Malaysia if one has not been to an Open House here.
So take advantage of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, where the Open Houses will be spectacular and the
experience amazing.