Hari Raya Aidilfitri: A Celebration of Joy and Togetherness
When Hari Raya Aidilfitri arrives in Malaysia, it signifies a period of thankfulness, unity, and celebration, as families and communities gather to mark the end of Ramadan through both longstanding and new traditions.
The Spirit of Forgiveness and Gratitude
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is a day of celebration, marked by prayers, feasting, and the seeking of forgiveness from loved ones. In Malaysia, this practice is known as salam-salaman, where family members and friends ask for each other’s pardon as a way to strengthen relationships and foster harmony. The phrase Maaf Zahir dan Batin, meaning “forgiveness in body and soul,” is commonly exchanged, embodying the spirit of reconciliation and gratitude.
Traditional Attire and Festive Gatherings
A significant aspect of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the donning of traditional attire. Men often wear the baju Melayu with a sampin and songkok, while women adorn themselves in the elegant baju kurung or baju kebaya, often in matching family colours. The celebration begins with early morning prayers at mosques, followed by visits to the graves of loved ones to offer prayers and pay respects.
Families then invite everyone to open houses, a beloved tradition in Malaysia where individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or background, are invited to enjoy food and festivities. These events reflect the nation’s rich multicultural identity and promote goodwill among friends and neighbours.
A Feast of Malaysian Delights
Food plays a central role in the Hari Raya celebrations, with a variety of traditional dishes served to guests. Among the must-have delicacies are rendang (spicy meat stew), ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves), lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo), often accompanied by kuah kacang (peanut sauce) and various local kuih raya (sweet treats and festive cookies) such as bahulu, dodol, kuih semperit, and kuih bangkit. The preparation of these elaborate feasts begins days before the celebration, bringing family members together in the kitchen.
Duit Raya: A Special Treat for the Young
One of the highlights of Hari Raya, especially for the younger generation, is receiving duit raya. These are small amounts of money placed in green or colourful envelopes, given by older relatives to younger family members as a sign of goodwill and prosperity. Although this duit raya is typically given after the ritual of salam-salaman, it may also be presented by hosts to children during their visit or when they celebrate at the host’s home.
Modern Celebrations with Traditional Roots
While keeping traditional practices, the Hari Raya festivities in Malaysia have incorporated modern features. Every year, social media is filled with festive wishes accompanied by either new or classic Hari Raya songs. Families also set up beautiful photo spots in their homes, and shopping centres change into stunning Hari Raya festivals. However, the essence of the celebration focuses on strengthening family connections, as many Malaysians embark on the balik kampung journey, leading to a significant movement from urban areas to the countryside in the days before Hari Raya.
As Malaysia increasingly welcomes modern times, Hari Raya Aidilfitri highlights the lasting influence of tradition and community. It represents more than a mere celebration; it is a period for reflection, appreciation, and togetherness. The principles of generosity, charity, and family ties that are deepened during Ramadan continue to be felt throughout the festivities, creating a joyful and significant period for all Malaysians.
