Also known as Hari Raya Puasa, an annual religious event celebrated by Muslims all over the world. The celebration marks the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting. Men and women go through 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting from both food and water as to experience a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.
On the first day of Syawal, the tenth month of the Hijrah (Islamic) calendar, the fast is broken by loud, cheerful and joyous sounds of the gathering of family and friends. Prior to this day, Muslims in town would travel back to their hometown (kampung) to reunite with their family members, leaving the cities quiet and empty during the festive season.
The day starts off with an early-morning prayer at the mosque, where Muslims give thanks for their blessings. They also seek forgiveness from family and friends for any trespasses, believing that peace and harmony is the way for all. Some families may also choose to visit the graves of departed loved ones, in order to pray for their souls. Decorations such as ketupat leaves and fairy lights light up the streets and colorful pelita (standing oil lamps) is displayed throughout the front porch of some houses as to welcome guests into their home.
At an open house, it is a must to serve up traditional delicacies, often made by following recipes that have been passed down through generations, such as ketupat (rice dumpling cooked in a palm leaf pouch), rendang (meat stewed in spices), dodol (sticky, soft, toffee-like sweet), and satay (skewered meat).
Throughout the month of celebration, traditional malay clothing will be worn as house visitations and parties take place. Women wear the baju kurung (traditional Malay dress), baju kebaya (traditional blouse-dress), or a jubah (long one-piece dress), while men typically don a songkok (traditional hat) and the baju Melayu (traditional men’s wear). Some families take their dressing traditions up a notch, as to colour coordinate the whole family, from infants to the elderly. This helps distinguish the same family members and portrays a family of unity.
