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~ Hari Raya Aidil Fitri ~
Festival Date - 19 & 20AUG
2012
The most significant celebration for Muslims, Eid al Fitr, it signifies the end
of the fasting month of Ramadan. Known locally as Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the celebration is determined by
sighting of the new moon on the day, before the next month on the
Muslim calendar, Syawal.
The words �Hari Raya� means 'day of
celebration.'
Ramadan
Ramadan is the name of the one-month fasting period when Muslims
fast from dawn till sunset. During the period of fasting, apart from
eating and drinking, Muslims are also forbidden from smoking and
having sexual relations. Only the sick are excused from fasting
during this month. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking
promise or cheating during the month of Ramadan. It is to remind
them of the plight of the poor and to cleanse themselves by
exercising abstinence and self-control. Even the young are taught to
fast.
The Celebration
Muslims starts the day by wearing new clothes and congregating in
the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers
followed by visiting the graves of the departed. The young will ask
for forgiveness from their elders and have open house for relatives
and friends to come to their house. Plenty of traditional Malay
delicacies are served during this festive season. Houses are
thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and lighting of oil lamps welcomes
the angels which are believed to be visiting the earth during the
seven days preceding the festival. The celebration lasts for a month
but most of the celebration is concentrated in the first three days
Visiting Muslim homes on Hari Raya Puasa, you can expect to taste a
wide
variety of delicious spicy dishes. Some favourite dishes that can be
found in
Muslims homes on this special occasion are ketupat, lontong,
nasi
padang
and beef rendang. The Muslims also give packets of money to kids
when they go visiting. The packets are usually green in colour and
children often look forward to getting these money tokens on Hari
Raya Puasa. Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous occasion for
Muslims.
information - details - regarding
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