Syed Saddiq, Bella's kenduri rakyat swarmed by people since morning

KUALA LUMPUR - The crowds had already begun forming outside the Yong Sheng Banquet Hall in Muar by early morning, anticipating the kenduri rakyat hosted by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and his new wife, singer and actress Bella Astillah. A video shared on social media showcased people queuing as early as 8 am, even though the event was set to commence at 2 pm. This pre-dawn gathering signified the immense excitement surrounding the couple's open wedding feast, a departure from traditional wedding practices.

Syed Saddiq explained that the purpose of hosting the kenduri rakyat was to bring the celebration closer to the community and revive the Malay culture's tradition of rewang. Under this communal practice, members of the society come together to assist in preparing for festivities. Apart from the joyous atmosphere created by food and drinks, the event organizers also distributed essential household items to attendees as a gesture of appreciation.

Sponsors contributed more than RM500,000 in the form of food, drinks, rice, coconut milk, and other essentials, which would be distributed during the celebration. The couple tied the knot on October 10 in a solemnisation ceremony at Menara Merdeka 118. A wedding reception followed at MITEC on October 18. On Saturday, the couple will host another kenduri rakyat in Sabah, where Bella was born.