How Malaysians Celebrate Hari Raya

In light of the upcoming Eid al-Fitri, commonly known as Hari Raya Puasa or simply Hari Raya in Malaysia, Muslims especially the Malays living in which already have been over their heads taking extensive preparations as to make it the perfect Raya ever. This is evidently what is being reported by our national news outlets. One TR Weekly confirms that “street bazaars and shopping malls are also hyping up with numerous offers for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations” (www.ttrweekly.com/site/2015/06/malaysia-in-carnival-mode), indicating that the market undoubtedly knows its “preys”. In reality, an annual grand shopping is not exactly new but merely a tradition long observed by them, and that’s just one out of many particulars by which Malaysian Muslims, especially Malays would commemorate the Great Day.

Elaborating on the aforementioned point, shopping activity is a requisite for any “observant” Malaysians. For it is accepted by the public consciousness as the greatest Islamic celebration and holiday, Hari Raya entails everyone to be in proper manner: that means new clothes, exclusively to be worn on that day; Raya cuisine, traditionally prepared for the great feasting, justified after a month of starving; and decorating or furnishing the dwellings or vehicles with Raya themes or straight up buying new ones. Certainly, retails and shopping centres will be crowded, before Ramadan even, by the-would-be celebrators in order to purchase the goods or services required for the Great Day. Indeed, economic factors are absolutely not a STOP sign for spending money as some less unfortunate Malaysians resort to flea markets or any economical stores to purchase much affordable luxurious Raya goods. Delightfully to note, Raya season is directly responsible for the boost in profit for many scheming business establishments which in turn will most probably support our floundering national economy.

What does motivate those people to the extent that they take great endeavors for the sake of the celebration? Any religious occasion call for mass gathering of people and likewise, Hari Raya is no exception. Workers in the cities will be returning to their hometowns, bringing along their families. Such phenomenon, called “balik kampong”, is the prelude to the big celebration. On that day, tradition has listed that families, relatives, friends, and neighbors are to be invited or obligated to travel to the houses. Known as ziarah, this occasion gives chances for strengthening family ties and seeking reconciliation. They would exchange “Maaf Zahir Batin” to ask forgiveness, especially that of parents’, which is once a year according to standard.

Malays regard their guests reverently and as such, are entitled to the best hospitality. The host would prepare a wide variety of traditional Malay Raya cuisine like lemang, ketupat, and rendang that were previously cooked the evening before. Kuih-muih are indispensable as well, some would include pineapple tarts, roti jala, onde-onde, and kuih almond. There is no Malay Raya feast without these. The cuisines are not essentially the main attraction, for children at least. This holiday is the most blessed for them as Hari Raya is the day when the adults give out money or “duit raya” for children. As far as the kids are concerned, your image depends on the amount of “duit raya” you give them.

Prepared by Zaim