HARI RAYA CELEBRATIONS

Hari Raya Celebrations

Every year, after one month of fasting Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa which falls inthe month of Syawal. All Muslims celebrate the day with great joy. In the morning, theygo to the mosque to pray. Then, on returning home, they receive guests and relatives who come to pay them a call. Days before, the womenfolk make many varieties of cakes, cookies and sweetmeats. They also cook 'rendang' curries and prepare 'satay

' to go with the 'ketupat'. Homes aredecorated with many coloured lights all over the garden. Small lamps are lit and placedalong the driveway. On Hari Raya Day, many Malaysians visit their Muslim friends to share their joy. Theyreceive warm hospitality and are entertained to a feast of specially prepared food. Boysand girls wear new clothes and shoes. Girls wear jewellery and boys new 'songkoks'.The town is usually crowded with Muslims dressed gaily and going about. They visittheir friends and relatives while some go to the cinemas or to the Lake Gardens. Many,however, go back to their 'kampungs’ to celebrate the festival with their parents. It is also a time for family reunions. Everyone rejoices during this festive season.

BY : NUR AMILIA 👯