The Muslim community in Malaysia and all over the world celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or also known as Hari Raya Puasa, to conclude the Ramadan holy month of fasting. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is regarded as a merry celebration as it marks a person’s triumph and success on discipline and self-resistance which symbolizes refinement and rebirth.
It is necessary for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan, where they have to maintain their self-resistance in satisfying their basic needs and urges between sunrise till sunset. They abstain from food and drinks, as well as from smoking and sexual relations. It is also important that they keep their minds pure and not harbor any ill thoughts or intentions during this holy month.
The fasting doesn’t deter the celebrants from making preparations to welcome Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The excitement builds up way before the first day, where families start to shop for new clothes, delicacies and goodies and furnish their home with new furniture and decoration weeks. Brightly-colored lights, in the common hues of green, yellow and gold, can be seen adorning the mosques and the offices of government agencies.
When the new moon is seen on the evening of the last day of Ramadan, the fasting period comes to an end. Such sightings are made by religious officials at various hilltops throughout the country and when the crescent moon is seen, the following day marks the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
On the morning of Hari Raya, the men perform prayers at the mosque while children ask for forgiveness from their parents. The little ones will also be given ‘duit raya’ or gifts of money in small green packets. While the first three days of Hari Raya are usually reserved for catching up with the family, many families hold open houses throughout the month where friends and neighbors of other races are invited to share conversation, laughter and a variety of cookies, candy and traditional delicacies.
Ketupat is one of the must-haves at Hari Raya. It is served together with beef rending (beef cooked with coconut milk and malay spices) together with satay (skewered grilled meat). Other delicious delicates are such as lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (dry coconut fried with chilli) and curry chicken.
In Malaysia, the first two days are regarded as public holidays but most will take a week off for this celebration. Those working in the cities will return to their hometowns (balik kampung) and reunite with their parents, relatives and old friends in the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, leaving the cities quiet and empty during the festive season (usually there are very good airline deals in the weeks/months before the Balik Kampung period). Although the cities start to be populated again at the end of the week, the celebration doesn’t end there as one month of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations follow a month of fasting. People continue visiting each other’s homes and throwing open houses until the festivities approaches its end 30 days later. It isn’t often that festivities last for a month long, so take the opportunity to catch up with friends and family while indulging in the various delicacies!
alice
9 years ago
June 30, 2016 at 9:41 am
Ass. the food was gorgeous and definitely all good for fasting.
hizz
8 years ago
June 23, 2017 at 7:36 am
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Hizz
3 years ago
February 4, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Alhamdulliah happy eid
basket random
2 years ago
July 19, 2023 at 7:54 am
I am wondering what the process would be and how much it would cost to ship an iMac from Malaysia to the Maldives.
cerridwen
2 years ago
September 11, 2023 at 2:30 am
should take a month or so but it would be a little costly depending on how heavy your imac is. if you have an mac air then it’ll obviously be cheaper like around 30 dollars. pro would be 40-45 for sure. i wouldnt reccomend you to ship using fedEX because theyre not good at handling fragile things
Monkey Mart
1 year ago
November 6, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Aidilfitri, or also known as Hari Raya Puasa, to conclude the Ramadan holy month of fasting. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is regarded as a merry celebration as it marks a person’s triumph and success on discipline and self-resistance which symbolizes refinement and rebirth. It is necessary for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan, where they have to maintain their self-resistance in satisfying their basic needs and urges between sunrise till sunset. They abstain from food and drinks, as well as from smoking and sexual relations. It is also important that they keep their minds pure and not harbor any ill thoughts or intentions during this holy month. The fasting doesn’t deter the celebrants from making preparations to welcome Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The excitement builds up way before the first day, where families start to shop for new clothes, delicacies and goodies and furnish their home with new furniture and decoration weeks. Brightly-colored lights, in the common hues of green, yellow and gold, can be seen adorning the mosques and the offices
MelonPlayground
8 months ago
April 5, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Wow, Malaysia looks amazing! Those tea fields in Cameron Highlands are calling my name. And Perhentian Island’s water is so clear! It’s almost like a Melon Playground but in real life. Definitely adding this to my travel list!
emojimyface
8 months ago
April 18, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Wow, Malaysia looks amazing! That Perhentian Island water looks so clear. I need a vacation, and maybe I should use emojimyface to make some fun travel emojis for my trip. Who’s in for a trip?
Doll Generator
8 months ago
April 22, 2025 at 9:10 am
Wow, Malaysia looks amazing! Those tea fields and beaches are calling my name. Also, Hari Raya Puasa sounds like a really special celebration. I wonder if Doll Generator could create a visual representation of the festivities! Might use it for travel inspiration.
Dreamy Room
7 months ago
May 14, 2025 at 1:27 am
For a Christmas visit to Cameron Highlands, attracted by its cooler climate, what Christmas-specific activities or dining experiences can one expect at the tea plantations and hotels?
playcolorblockjam
4 months ago
August 12, 2025 at 1:52 pm
This article beautifully explains the significance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I especially liked how it highlights the celebration as a mark of personal triumph and rebirth. It’s great to learn about different cultures and their traditions. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights!
Alex Maartin
3 months ago
August 30, 2025 at 12:32 pm
“This FAQ about Hari Raya Puaasa is very well-written! I love how it explains that the celebration marks the end of Ramadan and highlights it as a time of transformation, renewal, and reconnecting with family. The description of traditions—like wearing new clothes, decorating homes, asking for forgiveness, and gathering during balik kampung—makes the festival come to life perfectly.”
Farah A.
3 months ago
September 12, 2025 at 2:38 pm
This FAQ was really helpful — I always wondered why Hari Raya Puasa is called both Hari Raya Aidilfitri in some places. The explanation about the different dialects/languages made it so clear. Also loved the notes on the traditional foods and customs — makes me excited to celebrate even more. Thanks for such a thoughtful write-up!
gartic phone
2 months ago
October 3, 2025 at 10:56 am
This FAQ about Hari Raya Puasa/Aidilfitri is great! I found it really interesting how the article highlights the celebration as a ‘triumph and success on discipline and self-resistance.’ It gives such a profound meaning to the festivities. The idea of refinement and rebirth as a symbol is also a lovely way to understand it. Thanks for sharing!
gecko out
2 months ago
October 14, 2025 at 8:45 am
Thanks for this helpful FAQ on Hari Raya Puasa! I learned that it marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates self-discipline and rebirth. It’s great to understand why it’s such a joyful time for Muslims in Malaysia and worldwide.
AutismTest
1 month ago
October 29, 2025 at 2:54 am
This FAQ on Hari Raya Aidilfitri is really helpful! I especially appreciated learning about its deeper meaning – how it symbolizes a triumph of discipline and self-resistance, leading to refinement and rebirth. It’s wonderful how it celebrates such personal success after Ramadan. Great overview!！