Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri or also known as Raya Puasa is the biggest Muslim celebration in Malaysia. It is celebrated on the first day of Syawal that marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in the islamic calendar when the Muslims has to fast during the day for the whole month.

Aidilfitri which falls on the first day of Syawal is the only day which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The celebration start the night before Raya. The neighborhoods will be filled with the sounds of takbir from the mosques. The oil lamps are lit up and placed around houses. The houses are also decorated colourful lights.

Aidilfitri starts with a two rakaat congregated Islamic prayers in the morning accompanied with the takbir. After the Salat, the people will go back to their own houses and fest on special dishes like ketupat, rendang, lemang and peanut gravy. Then they will have the session where they will apologize and forgive each other for their past wrongdoing. During this session, the children are given a sum of money known as "duit raya" from their parents or elders.They also will visit each other during Aidilfitri.

The Muslim Malaysians also dress nicely and wear their traditional cultural clothing on Hari Raya. The men will wear the Baju Melayu with a sarong known as kain sampin and a headwear known as songkok. The women on the other hand will wear Baju Kurung or kebaya.

Image by: Bambi Corro III

Where To Go?

Annually the government and the sultan will host an open house to celebrate Raya. The people are welcomed to join the celebration.

Time

There is no fixed date in Gregorian Calendar since Aidilfitri is celebrated according to the Hijrah Calendar. In Hijrah Calendar, Aidilfitri is celebrated on the first day of Syawal.

Admission

There is no entrance fee for the open house.