Malaysian Festivals

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also called Hari Raya Puasa)is the main festivals among Malaysian, especially Malays for the celebrating the ends of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting. The Muslim community ushers in the first day of Aidilfitri by congregating at mosques for morning prayers.



Everyone is usually decked out in their traditional best to mark the special occasion. Men are usually dressed in Baju Melayu, while the Baju Kurung, the quintessential Malay attire for females, is the preferred choice for the fairer sex.



Then it's usually breakfast at home with the family, followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered; graves are cleaned and cleared of overgrowth, and prays.



This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Asking for pardon is done in order of seniority. The younger members of a family approach their elders (parents, grandparents etc) to seek forgiveness, to salam (Muslim equivalent of a handshake), then kiss the hands of the older person as a sign of respect.



The usual greeting (that is uttered with the salam) during Aidilfitri is “Selamat Hari Raya”, which means “Wishing you a joyous Hari Raya”.



Children and old folks are given duit raya or gifts of money, in small envelopes, green in colour.



Although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale, many Muslims hold “open house” throughout the month, where friends and neighbors of other races are invited to join in the celebrations.