Eid Day 2012

Hari Raya Open House

Eat,drink and be merry – those are the aims of many on the first day of Hari Raya. Which is why it is not recommended for women to wear tight-fitting kebayas or sheer baju kurungs, as it wouldn’t be as flattering after all that feasting.

Plus, with so many scrumptious food to eat and houses to visit, would one be able to suppress the temptations for the sake of maintaining a slim silhoutte?

In Bahasa Malaysia, Hari Raya means the "Day of Celebration". A public holiday in Malaysia, it is celebrated by all Malaysians regardless their races or religions. Sometimes the events and activities leading to the day itself, like driving home to the kampung or scrubbing the house clean inside and out, mean more to some.

Seeking forgiveness from parents

But for most people, nothing beats the moment when it is time to seek forgiveness from parents and the elderly on the morning of Hari Raya. I have seen grown men reduced to tears, ladies sobbing and children crying - which just tear one’s heart out – when seeking for forgiveness from family, friends and relatives over the wrongdoings that had been done over the past year.

After all, forgiving is much better than holding a grudge for a year, as echoed by Oscar Wilde - “Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”

Performing "Solat Sunat Hari Raya"

Adorning colourful, often new Raya attire like Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya, Baju Melayu and all sorts is something that most are looking forward to. That, and the fact that there’s a whole lot of all-you-can-eat-meals waiting for everyone to feast on for the rest of the day. After a small breakfast (just to line the stomach after a month of not having it), an annual “Solat Sunat Hari Raya” is performed at the mosque, and a visit to the graveyard to pray for the dearly departed ones is followed.

Hari Raya food

One thing's for sure, nobody can complain of being hungry on Hari Raya day. Food are aplenty; and with so many choices, so many ‘open houses’ to go to, it is indeed hard to say no to second (and third) helpings. From ketupat, lemang and rendang to cakes and kuih rayas – there’s no mention of the word “diet” on the day of celebration – everybody’s out to have a great time in the presence of good food and greater company.