Dear Reader,
In a literal translation from Malay to English, the term “hari raya” simply means “big day of rejoicing” and can refer to any celebration or festive occasion; “Puasa” is “fasting” in Malay. The fasting month of Ramadan falls on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and it is during this time that able-bodied Muslims abstain from indulging in food, drink, tobacco. Also known as Eid al-Fitr, Hari Raya Puasa is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and marks the end of the Ramadan. Hari Raya Puasa celebrates the victory in completing the fast and the overcoming of personal struggles during the Ramadan, as well as a time of forgiveness and strengthening of bonds amongst family members and relatives.
To celebrate, Muslim families rally to spring-clean their homes and spruce them up with a lick of fresh paint and new décor, flocking to bazars for carpets, cushions, curtains, and such. Feasting is a “must” during this festive period, and much effort and time are spent preparing and cooking mouth-watering dishes, such as lontong, ketupat, rendang, curry ayam, sambal goreng, etc. The pestles and mortars, stoves, pots and pans will all be out in full force—for the big day! Homemade sweets are usually the highlights of the festivity; Expect oodles of popular treats such as the Almond London, Kuih Bangkit, Semperit Pandan, etc.
On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims usually visit the mosque and recite special prayers. Visitations begin at the parents’ home where Muslims request for forgiveness from elders, visiting relatives and friends for any wrongs they may have committed against them in the past year. It is a time of forgiveness and strengthened bonds. The visitations begin! First-day visits are usually set aside for the immediate and extended family. Everyone will congregate at a senior family member’s home for a time of fellowship and feasting. A practice where family members seek forgiveness from each other is also observed, to start relationships on a clean slate.
Of course, a fresh start is not complete without new clothes! Traditional garb such as the songkok and samping for men, and the baju kurung/kebaya for women, are available in all colours and designs. Most families will also opt for similar colour themes to signify familial bonds and ties. At ABARA, an array of vividly coloured handbags await you – we have precisely the tone and shade to suit your every Hari Raya Puasa look, and all our bold designs will give your traditional garb a modern flair.
Wishing all our Muslim friends a fabulous Hari Raya Puasa!
