To denote the finale of Ramadhan and wrap up the holy month of fasting, the triumphant Muslims all over the world honour their victory by celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, this "Day of Celebration" is always anticipated not only by the Malays but all races actually look forward to this festive occasion. Preparations can also be observed one month or so prior to the occasion- cookies would be baked either to be served during Hari Raya or to be sold to customers, new clothes would be bought or sewn to be don for the festival, and some families would go all out to decorate and renovate their houses to commemorate this joyous affair!

Cookies for sale at the Ramadhan bazaar

 

 

Raya music would frequently be played in shopping malls and radios, as Raya-themed programmes would be screened on national television.

Unlike many celebratory occasions that bear fixed dates, Hari Raya does not occur on the same date every year. The "puasa" (fasting) period would have to end first- and this is determined when the crescent or new moon is sighted during the evening of the last day of Ramadhan. In each state of Malaysia, religious officials are assigned to observe the skies for the new moon from several hilltops. When the moon is spotted, it is officially affirmed that Aidilfitri would take place the day after which marks the first day of "Syawal". Itis custom for families to "balik kamping" (return to their hometowns) to get together with their parents, relatives and friends during this festive season.

The Malay household housing plenty under one roof

Days before Aidilfitri, houses would be bursting with buzz and laughter as family members arrive and assemble together under one roof. They would greet one another jovially, excited to catch up with one another as the children would go out to light "pelita" (kerosene lamps) and play with "mercun" (firecrackers) at night.

Playing "mercun" responsibly

It is believed that the night the "Quran" was sent down (The Night of Decree) angels alighted to shower their blessings on earth, and so houses were lit up with "pelita" and kerosene lamps to signify that auspicious night.

As the first morning of "Syawal" dawns, Muslims would be clad in their brand new "Baju Melayu" (traditional Malay attire for males) or "Baju Kurung" (for females) and head to the mosques for morning prayers.

Traditional Malay attires

 

Aidilfitri is also a time to "forgive and forget", and so it is crucial that all adults and children express their gratitude to Allah (God) as well as to repent or ask for forgiveness from the elderly.

After prayers, they return to assemble with their family members and have breakfast together at home.

Family getting together for breakfast

They would then proceed to pay their respects to deceased loved ones at the cemetery in which they will also clean the graves. Muslims greet one another by giving "salam" (handshake) as well as to kiss the hands of an elder (be it a parent or grandparent) out of respect. This gesture is accompanied with the Raya greeting the other party, "Selamat Hari Raya".

A Muslim tradition to "salam" one another

One of the most distinctive elements of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the practice of visiting. Holding "rumah buka" (open houses) is also customary where the host of the house invite friends, neighbours (regardless of race) and relatives to their abode to feast together. It is also customary for adults to give "duit raya" (raya money) to children and older folks where they will be handed small green packets. Green is the colour that is most associated during Raya and this has taken its effect on the many decorations for the festive season.

Money Money Money

  

 

Much like the food one can buy at a Ramadhan Bazaar expect Hari Raya to serve the same mouth-watering, local delicacies such as rendang (meat cooked with spices and coconut milk), lemang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo shoots), ketupat (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), satay (meat cubes on a stick), lontong (rice cubes served in coconut vegetable stew) as well as chicken curry. It is common for the dishes to be spicy yet delectable and flavourful.

The man of the house will usually "Baca doa" (give thanks) before the family starts feasting.

  

 

 

Beef Rendang

Satay

Hari Raya is a time for giving and so, we at Koolred would like to wish all our Muslim Redsters a joyous "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri".

 

Credit: Photos contributed by our talented Redsters: Nazar and Mimi.