Hari Raya Aidilfitri : A Vibrant Celebration of Faith and Family
Hari Raya is fast approaching as the holy month of Ramadan soon comes to a close. As you may have noticed, residential homes, restaurants, shopping malls and more, are decked out beautifully in Hari Raya-themed decorations in preparation for the festivities. Keep an eye out also for colourful light decorations come nightfall, which will leave you in awe throughout Hari Raya.
The phrase ‘Hari Raya’ translates to ‘a day of celebration’. Hari Raya Aidilfitri signifies the end of the month of Ramadan and the start of a new month in the Islamic calendar. In addition, it is also a celebration signifying a successful end to the fasting season as well as a victorious conquest over personal struggles during this time.
Celebrated by Muslims around the world, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is not just a major festival, but one that is held closely as a sacred time for forgiveness within the Muslim community, as well as a time to strengthen intimate bonds with family, relatives and friends.
Other fun preparations in the lead up to the festival include updating one’s wardrobe with new threads, beautifying one’s home with festive decorations as well as hosting ‘open houses’ where reunions with friends and family aplenty.
On the first day of the festivities, Muslims journey to nearby mosques to take part in special prayers. Another important first-day ritual also, is asking for forgiveness from one’s elders as well as visiting friends or relatives.
During Hari Raya, the Muslims display their generosity by offering green ‘money packets’ to children and young adults. In the past, these green packets were filled with sweets and coins. However, today, they are generally filled with money across various denominations as a way to share one’s blessings with others.
On the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, elders of the family gather to be seated while the younger family members take turns to ‘kiss’ their hands, an intimate gesture signifying respect to one’s roots as well as seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings in the past year.
In addition to a meaningful celebration, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is also a great spectacle of colour and beauty as Muslims adorn stunning traditional outfits throughout the festivities. Women often dress in baju kurung, while the men show up in baju melayu. A fairly recent trend that has grown in popularity is where families colour-code their outfits to match.
Another key element of the celebration is Hari Raya’s festive food, which plays an important role. Each household will prepare a wonderful selection of traditional Malay snacks and treats such as the ketupat, rendang and an assortment of kuih to be shared with guests and family.
It is also not uncommon for shopping malls and public places to go all-out when it comes to decorating for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Signature decorations including lights in the shapes of ketupat, coconut trees, lanterns and pelita (oil lamps) will be displayed throughout, enhancing the festive vibe of Hari Raya. As you step into shopping malls leading up to the celebrations also, you will hear the unmistakably catchy tunes of Hari Raya music that fill the air.
So as Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, don’t forget to wish your Muslim brothers and sisters a safe and wonderful Hari Raya celebration, or join in the fun by cooking up a Malay feast to share among your family and friends too!
