Celebrate the warmth of Hari Raya with our illustration entitled ‘Syawal Berseri, Hati Bersatu’, where golden paddy fields set the stage for joy, togetherness and cherished traditions. The festive spirit is in full bloom as Malaysians reunite with loved ones, filling homes with joy and laughter.
No matter where we celebrate, the heart of Raya is always in togetherness.
With balik kampung back on the agenda, let’s relive the nostalgia of Raya, the aroma of home-cooked delights, and the cherished moments that make this celebration truly special.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or Eid al-Fitr, marks the first day of Syawal, the tenth month of the Hijrah calendar. Muslims in Malaysia celebrate this joyous occasion after the fasting month of Ramadan. It’s a time for forgiveness, strengthening family bonds and celebrating the success of overcoming the challenges of fasting.
Riuh Bermain , Indah Bersama
Flying wau, traditional Malay kites, is a cherished Hari Raya tradition. Some even attach LED lights to them, lighting up the night sky. The most iconic designs include the Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), Wau Jala Budi (Woman Kite), and Wau Kucing (Cat Kite).
More than just a pastime, wau-flying is a treasured post-harvest tradition, offering both entertainment and friendly competition. In Malaysian states like Kelantan and Terengganu, kite-flying contests are a festive highlight. The participant whose wau soars and stays aloft the longest is the winner.
Perjalanan Pulang, Disambut Mesra
More than just a celebration—it’s the togetherness that makes every homecoming a heartfelt reunion. The journey home always feels short no matter how far we are. Each familiar road and sight brings a sense of nostalgia, building anticipation for warm embraces, shared laughter and home-cooked feasts.
In Malaysia, especially in Kedah, the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia"—paddy harvesting often aligns with Ramadan or Hari Raya. A successful harvest before Raya is seen as a blessing, allowing farmers to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Nikmati Syawal, Manis Dirasa
A highlight of Hari Raya is the feast of traditional Malay delicacies. The patience and teamwork required in the preparation alongside the enjoyment reflects the spirit of joy and harmony that defines Hari Raya. No celebration is complete without ketupat and lemang, for they are undoubtedly a must-have on every table.
Lemang is a traditional delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and salt; wrapped in banana leaves and then cooked inside hollow bamboo poles. Slowly cooked over an open flame for up to five or six hours, this age-old technique gives it the signature smoky aroma and flavour. Achieving the perfect lemang requires skill and patience, with constant monitoring to prevent fires or overcooking.
Ketupat, on the other hand, is made by weaving young coconut leaves into a pouch, filled with glutinous rice and boiled until perfectly cooked, hence a recipe that demands skill and precision. The woven leaves give it the iconic diamond shape and a pleasant aroma. Not only that, it is also a tradition that brings families and friends together through the shared experience of preparing it.
Saling Bermaaf, Eratkan Cinta
Open houses or rumah terbuka are more than just feasts—they are a time for reunion, where families and friends gather; and to share laughter, stories and delicious treats. It's also a time when homes are opened to friends, neighbours, even strangers, regardless of background or religion.
Before the festivities begin, it is a Muslim tradition to seek forgiveness for their sins with the phrase “Maaf Zahir dan Batin”, meaning “I seek forgiveness, both physically and spiritually.” This heartfelt exchange, often following “Selamat Hari Raya”, is a way to mend broken relationships and to let go of past misdeeds. The younger person does so by offering the elders a respectful salam—a method of greeting in which they place their forehead on the back of the hand or kissing it—while asking for forgiveness for all of his or her wrongdoing. In return, the elders grant their blessings and may give a duit raya (green packet) filled with money.
Every apology exchanged is more than just words; it’s also a promise not to bring up the past, to heal and to reconcile. This is the beauty of Syawal—a time that reunites broken hearts and nurtures love in its purest form.
Langit cerah, cahaya berkilau,
Takbir merdu, menggema di desa.
Syawal berseri, hati bersatu,
Saling bermaafan, erat bersama ✨
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri,
Maaf Zahir dan Batin 💚
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
