HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

        HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI is the most important Muslim festival in the year. It is calculated according to the moon and so does not fall on the same day every year. The festival follows a period of fasting and is mainly a religious one. It has great significant for the Muslims and is celebrated in a grand manner.

       The Hari Raya mood begins during the last week of the month of fasting. Everywhere are decorations and shopping in a big way. Every home is busy with the preparations. A whole line of cakes and goodies are prepare well before the festival day. The day itself begins with rising early and prayers. Then it is off to the mosque for community prayers. This is followed by a grand morning meal.

     Hari Raya is the time of visiting friends and relatives and receiving them too. Grand meals are thrown and there is much enjoyment and merry making. However, in spite of the festivals, it is never forgotten that it is a religious festival.

During the season of Hari Raya, Muslims visit each other. It is also a time to ask forgiveness from elders. As they are a close and loving community, courtesy is part of their living style. This is demonstrated most clearly during Hari Raya Puasa Aidil Fitri.