People say you would never know what you have until you loose it. Being away from Malaysia for a year provides me a chance to reflect on many things. One of them is to appreciate what I possess. My root, my homeland and MY celebrations!
Malaysia is indeed rich. Rich in culture and heritage. As a melting pot, Malaysians made of various backgrounds are allowed to retain their root, culture, heritage, value and faith. Unique, colorful and vibrant, we live together in harmony, respecting each other and that explains why Malaysians observe among the largest number of public holidays in a calendar year.
One of the upcoming celebrations is Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Puasa) or Eid ul-Fitr. Marks the end of Ramadhan, it is usually celebrated on 1st of Syawal according to Hijri (Islamic) calendar. Since Hijri is a lunar calendar, the date of Hari Raya Puasa is not fixed and always vary on Gregorian calendar. For Muslims in Malaysia, the fall of Hari Raya Puasa is determined by the the sign of new moon. Moon sighting is practiced on the last day of Ramadhan and the observance of Hari Raya Puasa would be announced via TV and radio on that night itself. Some countries like Singapore however determines the fall of Hari Raya Puasa based on the astronomical calculation.
Ramadhan, the ninth month in Hijri calendar is a holy month whereby the Muslims fast or abstain from drinks and food from dawn to sunset. After a long day of fasting, the Muslims are encouraged to break fast on time with sweet stuff such as dates or desserts. Ramadhan is also the time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God, thus the night during Ramadhan is usually spent with special or mass prayers at mosque. Before the dawn call (Azan Subuh), Muslims wake up to eat and drink, equipping energy for the day.
In the recent years, the tradition of Ramadhan Bazaar is mushrooming especially in the cities or towns. Urbanists or working class people prefer to obtain the break fast dishes from Ramadhan Bazaar rather than rushing home to cook. These food stalls are usually set up temporary in suburb areas, providing huge array of local delicacy at affordable price. It is also common to see the non-Muslims visiting Ramadhan Bazaar, sharing the joy of Malaysian taste and getting food for dinner.
After a full month of hardship and purification, Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated to signify triumph over self-restraint or abstinence in addition to purification. 'Balik kampung' or literally translated as 'Going back to
hometown' is usually associated with Hari Raya Puasa since this festival offers a relatively long public holidays to the nation. Banks, schools, civil services and private premises are closed in observance of Hari Raya. Grabbing public transportation is a challenge during this period with bus station, train station and airport packed with people. On the other hand, it is a quiet atmosphere in metropolitan areas like Kuala Lumpur during this festive season.
Ketupat, rendang, lemang, dodol and Raya cookies, these are among the food prepared once a year to celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Besides getting new clothes, decorating houses, Hari Raya songs are also played everywhere blending with the big sale and promotion as common phenomenon in shopping malls and commercial venues during Ramadhan.
Muslims in Malaysia usher the first day of Hari Raya Puasa by congregating at mosques for special prayer (Takbir Raya). Family members then gather at home, asking for forgiveness from each other. This is followed by visiting the graves of the loved deceased. The second day onwards are usually allocated for visiting or hosting an open house, inviting relatives and friends.
Originally, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is a Muslim festival but in Malaysia, it is the Malaysian's festival. All of us celebrate it. We share the joy of grabbing delectable food at Ramadhan Bazaar, shopping during Hari Raya sale, 'balik kampung', visiting open houses and most of all, an opportunity to spend time with our loved ones!
Selamat Hari Raya!
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