The Cultural Significance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri

What is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a significant festival celebrated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, marking the end of Ramadan. During this holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and on Hari Raya Aidilfitri, they gather to break their fast, seek forgiveness, and enjoy a lavish feast. This festival falls on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

History of Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The origins of Hari Raya Aidilfitri trace back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who initiated this festival after migrating to Mecca. It has been celebrated since the establishment of Islam in the region during the 15th century.

Usually, this festival falls on a day that is separate from other holidays, but that wasn’t the case in 1996, 1997, and 1998. This is when this holiday fell during the same week as Chinese New Year. This resulted in two large celebrations during those years – one for the Chinese community and one for the Muslim community. As a result, the Malaysian portmanteau Kongsi Raya was developed. For convenience, many Malaysians celebrate Kongsi Raya, when it occurs, instead of celebrating two distinct holidays at the same time.

Happens on Hari Raya?

Muslims typically start their day by visiting the mosque to say special prayers. After which, they seek forgiveness from elders – for example, kids might ask for forgiveness from their parents. Before they head out to visit relatives and friends and start feasting on good food, Malay families don new clothes in the same or similar color theme to represent the family spirit, with the women dressed in baju kurung – a loose-fitting full-length dress consisting of a skirt and blouse – and the men in baju Melayu – a loose-fitting shirt with long sleeves, worn with long pants with sampling, a three-quarter length cloth made of woven materials with traditional patterns. Families also visit the graves of loved ones who have passed to pay their respects.

Hari Raya Food

As with any festive day or occasion, Hari Raya Puasa also calls for delicious food on the table. Muslims put a lot of effort into preparing scrumptious meals for their friends and family. In Singapore, many traditional dishes are cooked and served just for Hari Raya. One of the main dishes includes Ketupat, which is steamed rice cakes molded into a diamond-shaped container and wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch. It is often served and enjoyed with a variety of other meals like Ketupat Sayur, Gado Gado, and more. Other iconic dishes made on this day are Lontong, Satay, Dodol, Rendang, and many more.

The Joy of Fasting

After 30 days of dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan, the first three days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri are celebrated on a grand scale. While Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations are colorful and fascinating, you should take note that the fasting month leading up to the holiday is a good time to experience the Malay culture and heritage.

For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is devoted to worship, charitable deeds, and acts of compassion. To cleanse one’s body and soul, they practice fasting in physical and spiritual forms as well as charitable deeds. When the sun sets, families and friends often gather to break the fast with evening prayers and meals, and the streets of Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam come alive with performances and street bazaars. If you’re in Singapore during Ramadan, this is the best time to soak in the festivities. Head to the Malay Village in Geylang Serai or make your way to Kampong Glam, an area that was once home to Singapore’s Malay royalty. Both precincts attract Singaporeans of all races, and wherever you’re from, you’re welcome to take part in the celebrations.

Traditions of the day

During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, homes and mosques are transformed into vibrant spaces adorned with traditional decorations, including oil lamps, lanterns, and colorful lights. The intricate designs and warm glow of these adornments symbolize the festive spirit and joy of the occasion. Additionally, as families welcome guests into their homes, the entrance doors serve as focal points, often embellished with intricate patterns or adorned with ketupat dumplings, and crescent moon and star garland, reflecting the cultural heritage and hospitality of the hosts.

As Muslims exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” and “Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf zahir dan batin,” the forgiving atmosphere extends to every corner, creating an ambiance of unity and acceptance. Indeed, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is not only a celebration of faith and culture but also a time for strengthening community bonds and spreading joyous blessings.