Ramadhan month with local favorites...
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| Image: Putra Mosque & Reflection in Water at Dusk |
Hari Raya literally means ‘celebration day’, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the day that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is considered one of the two most important celebrations for Muslims, the other being Hari Raya Haji – the festival of Abraham’s sacrifice.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri sees families and friends seeking forgiveness from each other, visiting ancestors’ graves, saying prayers at the mosque and visiting relatives and friends to feast traditional Malay delicacies like ketupat, rendang, satay, lemang and curry. In Malaysia, children are given token sums of money from their parents or elders.
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| Image : Ketupat, Lemang, Rendang |
The Ramadan period has communal aspects to it with many of the basic values of the Muslim community, such as empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness and patience being expressed more during this period.
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| Image: Muslim men kneeling down for prayer. |
During Ramadan, decorations of kampung houses, ketupats, oil lamps and colourful lights decorate big malls like Mid Valley, 1 Utama, Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid and the Curve. Little shops also are decorated in the lead-up.
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| Image: Shopping malls decorated with Hari Raya themed decorations. |
Hari Raya is one of the biggest holidays in Malaysia, and many Muslims (and even non-Muslims) return to their family home (balik kampong) driving or flying home for a couple of days before the day to be with their families and loved ones. There are often jams during this travelling time but these soon resolve as other travelers reach their destinations.
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| Image: Kampong house (Village house) |
Locals will normally have their house open for neighbours and have meals together in the evening, a joyful scenery between the household and friends whom attend. This is where food is the center of attention. In Malaysia, food is normally what connects people and is a language that many understands, Malay food is one of the many diverse cultural food in Malaysia and even other races would enjoy it together. |
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| Image: Varieties of Malay Food |
For the food lovers, need not worry, during the Puasa month beginning from early June to early July, its only during this festive month where ample of bazaars will appear around the city and town. Stalls ranging from snacks to heavy meals and shopping galore. As you pass along the city, you will surely discover stalls all around, but be watchful of what you may buy, because you may find another similar stall with cheaper price or better and nice. So keep your stomach empty and wallet full as you may take a longer walk than usual at these bazaars in June.
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Image: One of the stall in a bazaar.
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| Image: Ayam Panggang Stall |
So if you happen to pay a visit to Malaysia, don't miss out Malaysia's food, fun and fiesta.
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| Image: More Bazaar Ramadhan Stalls |