The festival Eid-Ul Fitr also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysian is the Muslim celebration that takes place on the 10th month according to the Muslim calendar (Syawal). The festivities are to signify the end of a month of fasting, which is known as the Ramadan period.
The Ramadan month
This is the holiest of months for the Muslim devotees in Malaysia which amounts to about 60% of the population. During this month is compulsory that every person old enough to do so must abstain from eating, drinking or smoking during the day. This is done so that one may gain spiritual strength and develop good qualities such as patience and humility.
Religious observances
In the month of Ramadan, devotees give more priority to religious activities. Reading the Qu’ ran is considered an act that is most holy. The Holy Qur’an is recited each day. All 30 sections of the Qur’an are recited at the mosque, this is called Tarawih. The entire Holy Book must be recited throughout the Ramdan month.
Festival Preparations
Muslims, especially during this time, are ready to splurge their money on new clothes, textiles and baking utensils and ingredients. Well, it is safe to say that this is the best time to shop in Malaysia as prices are brought down. Malls are all spruced up for the occasion as well with lights and ketupat shaped ornaments. Moreover, spring cleaning and cooking up some yummy food is part of getting ready too.
The day of Hari Raya
Despite the fact that this is a massive celebration, greeting each other with the phrase ‘Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir dan batin’ means that the devotees ask forgiveness from one another for any wrong doing that has caused them physical or emotional pain. Streets are deserted as people go back to their home towns to be with family. The day of celebration starts with prayers early morning followed by visits to graves of family memebers. After all this comes the merry making and fun. If you happen to be in the country at this time, checkout the tasty traditional food at a Ramadan buffet in KL such as the buffet at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, for this is a great Eid experience.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
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