The Raja of Perlis' Birthday, also known as Hari Keputeraan Raja Perlis, is a significant annual celebration in the Malaysian state of Perlis. This public holiday honors the birthday of the reigning Raja of Perlis, the constitutional monarch and head of state, and reflects the respect and cultural importance of the monarchy in Perlis.

Table of Contents

1. When is the Raja of Perlis' Birthday?
2. The History of the Raja of Perlis' Birthday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The History of Perlis

When is the Raja of Perlis' Birthday?

The Raja of Perlis' Birthday is celebrated on July 17 each year.

The following is the list of the Raja of Perlis' Birthday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of the Raja of Perlis' Birthday

The Raja of Perlis' Birthday is a significant annual celebration rooted in the history of the Perlis monarchy. It honors the leadership of the Raja, who serves as the constitutional monarch and protector of Perlis' traditions and unity.

The Perlis monarchy was established in 1843 when the region was carved out of the Kingdom of Kedah by Siam (now Thailand). This marked the founding of an independent Perlis state.

The first Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Hussain Jamalullail, was appointed by the Siamese government. He was a nobleman from the Jamalullail clan, which continues to hold the throne today.

The Raja of Perlis was historically responsible for governing the state, maintaining order and protecting Islamic traditions. Unlike the larger Malay states, Perlis retained a smaller, more localized monarchy, which suited its size and population.

The birthday of the Raja was traditionally observed with feasts, religious ceremonies, and community events.

During British colonial rule (1909–1957), the Raja continued to play a significant ceremonial and administrative role, acting as a bridge between the colonial government and the local population. The Raja's Birthday became a formalized occasion to honor the monarchy and reinforce cultural and social unity.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, the Raja's Birthday was officially designated as a state holiday to recognize the monarchy's contributions to Perlis' governance and development.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On the Raja of Perlis' Birthday, the people of Perlis observe a mix of formal ceremonies, cultural activities, and community celebrations to honor the Raja's leadership and contributions to the state.

The main event takes place at Istana Arau, the royal palace, where the Raja presides over the celebration.

Special prayers for peace and well-being and tahlil recitations are held in mosques across Perlis to pray for the Raja's health and the state's prosperity.

Traditional dances like Zapin and Joget, along with Malay Gamelan music, showcase Perlis' cultural heritage. Public exhibitions often highlight the history of the Perlis monarchy, local traditions and the state's achievements.

Villages and communities organize feasts where residents come together to celebrate, and traditional dishes and various desserts are served.

Acts of charity, such as food donations and support for underprivileged families, are common, reflecting the Raja's values of compassion and service.

Families often use the public holiday to spend quality time together, exploring local attractions, parks, or participating in festivities.

The History of Perlis

The history of Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, is located in the northernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia. Perlis has a unique identity shaped by its history as part of larger regional powers and its eventual establishment as a sovereign state.

Archaeological evidence indicates that Perlis has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with early communities living off agriculture and trade. The area was originally part of Kedah, one of the oldest kingdoms in Southeast Asia, and played a role in the maritime trade networks connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

Perlis was under the rule of various empires and powers over the centuries. In the 19th century, Perlis was under the suzerainty of Siam (now Thailand) as part of the larger Kingdom of Kedah.

In 1821, Siam (now Thailand) conquered Kedah, including Perlis. After quelling local resistance, Siam separated Perlis from Kedah in 1843, creating it as an independent state.

Syed Hussain Jamalullail, a nobleman of Arab descent, was appointed the first Raja of Perlis by the Siamese King, marking the establishment of the Perlis monarchy. The Jamalullail dynasty continues to rule Perlis to this day.

The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred Perlis and other northern states from Siamese to British control. During World War II, Perlis was occupied by the Japanese, who returned it to Siam as part of their alliance.

After the war, Perlis was returned to British administration, and efforts began to rebuild its economy and governance.

Perlis became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, achieving independence from British rule. As a member of the federation, Perlis contributed to the establishment of Malaysia in 1963.

Perlis is governed as a constitutional monarchy, with the Raja as the ceremonial head of state and a Chief Minister managing day-to-day governance.