Eid al-Fitr

A scene from Rumah Epik Fantastik.

Today, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Malaysia, we call it Hari Raya Adilfitri. Hari Raya in Malay literally translates as ‘celebration day’ and Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the day that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting.

Over here, the festival is a major public holiday and offices and schools officially close for 2 days.

During the Hari Raya month, Muslims return to their kampung (village) to visit their elders, relatives and friends. A lavish spread of food awaits!

It is customary for Muslims to wear traditional clothes on Hari Raya. The men generally wear Baju Melayu (a loose shirt with trousers) with kain samping (a short sarong) and a songkok (cap), while the Baju Kurung is often worn by the ladies. Families usually dress in the same colours to represent unity.

Below is a beautiful Hari Raya commercial to share.

Briefly, the video is about Arif, a young Malay boy surviving an overcrowded and chaotic house when members of his entire extended family arrive from the city and other states to spend Hari Raya at the already crammed kampung house where he lives with his *Nenek.

Initially, he is unhappy with the intrusion. He is also resentful of the younger cousins messing with his stuff. He later understands the meaning of togetherness and realizes that Hari Raya is merrier and even more festive when the entire clan celebrates together under one roof.

A scene from the video

The colorful video captures the quintessence of  a Malay household:  a traditional kampong house, vibrant costumes, food, language, etc.

*Nenek in Malay is grandmother and Nek is Nenek for short



Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim pallies!