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Hari Raya
Hari Raya is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. Hari Raya means “the day of celebration.” There are many different ways that Hari Raya is celebrated around the world, depending on the culture and region.
In this blog post, we will take a look at how Hari Raya is celebrated in some of the most popular Muslim countries.
What is Hari Raya?
The holiday of Eid, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, signifies the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Muslims observe Ramadan, a time of somber repentance, during which they worship, perform deeds of kindness, and fast for about 30 days from dawn to sunset.
It is a season of forgiveness as families come together to memorialize departed loved ones and express their regrets for any wrongdoings from the previous year. The younger members of the family also beg their elders for forgiveness.
When is Hari Raya celebrated?
The first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, marks Hari Raya every year. As a result of being based on the lunar calendar, it changes every year.
The day starts with a visit to the mosque to offer special prayers. Then it’s off to see the parents since it’s customary for Muslims to seek their parents for forgiveness for any wrongs they may have done over the year. There are more visits to friends and family, where home-cooked meals are waiting.
How is Hari Raya celebrated?
During Hari Raya Aidilfiltri, traditional attire is frequently seen, with Muslim women frequently donning the baju kurung (traditional attire from the Malay peninsula), occasionally with a matching tudung (headscarf).
The vibrant colors, colorful designs, and fine stitching around the baju’s collar make these ensembles a pleasure to behold. They are frequently made of silk or hand-dyed batik. Due to its comfort and suitability for Singapore’s hot heat, this traditional outfit is still worn today.
In Muslim houses and mosques during this time of year, decorations like “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri” signs, mosque cutouts, oil lamps, lanterns, colorful string lights, ketupat dumplings, and crescent moon and star garlands are typical.
Children and the elderly are given green packets containing money called sampul duit raya.
There are lots of delectable meals and snacks to enjoy, such kuih bangkit (tapioca biscuits), lontong sayur lodeh (mixed vegetables in coconut broth), and kuih tart (pineapple tarts).
“Eid Mubarak,” which translates to “Have a blessed holiday,” and “Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir dan batin,” which means “Happy Hari Raya; I request forgiveness for any physical and emotional wrongdoings,” are common greetings among Muslims on this day.
Hari Raya around the world
Indonesia
It lasts two days in their calendar and is a significant holiday there. Indonesians will buy and wear new clothing and footwear during this period, and there is a joyous mood in the air. Ketupat, opor ayam, rendang, sambal goreng ati, sayur lodeh, and lemang are typical foods presented to families for a special Lebaran supper.
On this day, a variety of foods such kueh, biscuits, dodol (a delicacy made of sugar palms that resembles toffee), and imported dates are also provided, along with fruit syrup drinks like bandung, which has a rose flavor. Typically, colorful envelopes containing money are given to the kids.
Egypt
The attractive kahk biscuit, which is loaded with almonds and wrapped in white sugar, is a staple in every Egyptian home. According to legend, the original recipe was created in the 10th century.
Most bakeries in the nation still make them using the old-fashioned techniques, and they store up on these treats before the end of Ramadan to get ready for the fast-breaking.
While dates are used in certain Middle Eastern countries’ versions of kahk, in Egypt they are customarily packed with a particular honey filling, walnuts, and pistachios, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and kept in tin boxes.
India
Muslims in India dress up for the festive event, adorn their hands and feet with lovely henna (also known as mehndi) designs that can be simple or intricate, and wear colorful bangles.
Popular themes include flowers, which stand for joy, and the sun, which represents wisdom and longevity.
During this time, special celebratory meals are served, such as sheer khurma, a creamy vermicelli pudding with condensed milk, and sivayyan, a dish of toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit.
Hari Raya
Ramadan is a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims around the world. Hari Raya marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with family, friends, and food. Hari Raya is celebrated in many different ways around the world, depending on the culture and region. In this blog post, we have taken a look at how Hari Raya is celebrated around the world!
We hope you have learned something new and interesting today!
