A Festive Galore After Ramadhan

Malaysia is the culmination of a multi-faceted culture adorned with colourful festivals and celebrations. Malaysians have the luxury to embrace each and every culture across the world all in one country. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the largest Muslim celebrations celebrated after Ramadhan, the fasting month. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Hari Raya Puasa celebration ending on the last week of June this year is also a public holiday celebrated nationwide regardless of race and belief.

During Ramadhan, the night market bazaars are usually the centre of a colourful celebration that includes local delicacies, festive cookies, clothing and religious items. These markets signify the month of preparation before Hari Raya Aidilfitri as people go about their merry business shopping for ingredients, spices, and good bargains.

Satay

Skewered and marinated barbecued meat served with peanut sauce and rice cake which is also called ketupat.

Rendang

Beef or chicken cooked in thick spiced gravy and coconut milk.

Ketupat

Square-shaped rice cake wrapped in a weaved diamond-shaped pouch and cooked in a coconut.

Pelita

Bite-sized traditional layered jelly-like dessert with a layer of coconut cream jelly and a layer of water chestnut jelly.

Lemang

Glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk inside bamboo segments, usually served with rendang, serunding or curry.

Serunding

Beef or chicken floss

If you are up for more social events, be sure to find out about the open houses organised by the state government. The open house concept is a long-standing tradition that shows the authenticity of Malaysian hospitality. A Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house is incomplete without traditional Malay food and desserts. Be sure to check out the food mentioned above.

Another tradition here is elders giving out money in little green packets to their children and young visitors. The handing out of the money, commonly referred to as duit raya, is a cultural practice and is a point of great excitement for many children. If you are traveling during the Raya, book your journey and accommodation way ahead in time to make sure they are still available.

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