Hari Raya Puasa, also known as the day of Eid-Al-Fitr, marks the first day after the end of Ramadan (the ninth month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims around the world fast daily from dawn to dusk).
After a month dedicated to worship and reflection, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa with special prayers held in mosques and communal feasts shared with family, relatives and friends. Usually, visiting on Eid-Al-Fitr starts first to the homes of parents, parents-in-laws, followed by relatives and friends in the next few days or weeks. This is very much like how the Chinese traditionally make home visits to their parents and elders during the Chinese Lunar New Year. However, Hari Raya Puasa is not a new year per se in the Islamic calendar as commonly mistaken to be. This festival highlights the Muslims' faith of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation of relationships.
As with many festivals across different faiths in the world, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous celebration where family and friends come together to make merry and indulge in festive foods. We see many Muslim families dressing up in matching traditional attire (baju kurung) and Eid-Al-Fitr decorations up in the neighbourhoods, shops, and homes.
Here are Odelia's top 3 picks for the festival:-
1) Best Hari Raya Song to sing along and dance to: Selemat Hari Raya - Kids Song
YouTube link here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoZMMYO5agE
2) Best Hari Raya goodies : BBQ rolls, almond cookies, and sugee!
Odelia (on sugee cookies) : "I like this because it is big and yummy!"
3) Soak in the Hari Raya Puasa festivities by visiting a Ramadan Bazaar!
We are in a blessed position where festivals across different faiths are celebrated on our sunny island. If you have something about the festival that you and your family observe as a tradition for Hari Raya Puasa, do feel free to share with us in the comments section below. :)