Raya

Raya. In Singapore, Hari Raya is a bustling Muslim festival that recognises and celebrates the demonstration of self-restraint during Ramadan, a month of fasting. Literally, Hari Raya means the ‘Day of Celebration’ in Malay, where Muslim friends don new clothes and spend time with their families, following time-honoured traditions.

Hari Raya Puasa (also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast) is the celebration to mark the end of Ramadan and is typically celebrated for up to a month, over weekends with family and friends.

On the other hand, Hari Raya Haji (also known as the Festival of Sacrifice) marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca and is celebrated about two months after Hari Raya Puasa, later in the year. Since the dates follow the Islamic calendar, the exact dates of the festivals change every year.

On Hari Raya Puasa, you can greet Muslim friends with a friendly “Selamat Hari Raya”, which means “Happy joyous day”.

Hari Raya is a festival symbolising purification and renewal, which goes beyond just a celebration surrounded by loved ones and delicious food. Instead, it is a time to foster relationships between families and friends and it is encouraged for them to forgive and forget all the conflicts they had in the previous year.

The general custom involves younger family members asking for forgiveness from their elders before and during the house visit. They would get on their knees, placing their forehead on the hand of the elders and saying ‘maaf zahir dan batin’ which translates to ‘I seek forgiveness from you in body and spirit’.

The occasion also calls for showing gratitude and is a period where generosity is practised, similar to Christmas and Thanksgiving where people give presents to their families and friends.

Muslims in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia usually gift guests and children green packets, also known as duit raya.

This gesture is unique to the region, mostly influenced by the Chinese practice of giving out red packets during Chinese New Year.

Green packets are also given to the elders in the family as a form of respect. Giving green packets is considered an act of charity based on the Islamic concept of zakat, whereby money is described as a share of wealth and an obligation towards society. Zakat inculcates an environment of care and concern for one another.

If you receive a green packet, remember to accept it respectfully and with both hands!

Part of the festive celebrations includes “returning to parents’ home” or the “balik kampong” tradition. Extended family members often return to pay respects to their elderly, making it an occasion to gather and reconnect with family members who may have moved further away for work or school.

Most Muslim homes will be crowded and filled with aunties and uncles, cousins and kids. Joyous memories of playing and gathering together help to strengthen familial bonds and kinship. Such traditions bind families and the community, helping us to form our identity and relate to one another.

Marking the end of the fasting month, natural food is one of the highlights of the festival where Muslim kitchens whip up flavourful traditional home-cooked recipes. Hari Raya foods are typically made from rice because rice such as ketupat and lontong is the main staple food of the Malays.

In the olden days, rendang was a symbol of affluence for a person or community that could afford an entire water buffalo for consumption. Today, it is an anticipated customary and celebratory dish served during special occasions such as Hari Raya and Malay weddings.

During this period, bazaar markets are typically organised in Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai where you can celebrate the “kampong spirit” with bright festive lights and installations. and shop amongst hundreds of stalls for traditional decorations, and clothes and feast on Malay snacks.

The festival of Raya is an important religious event celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and also signifies the start of a new month, Syawal.

Muslim communities worldwide celebrate the joyous occasion by visiting a mosque and gathering with their family and friends, although the way they go about the festivities might differ depending on a country’s culture. Below, we dive into the unique ways that this special occasion is celebrated around the world.

In these parts, Eid is more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In pre-Covid Singapore, Geylang Serai is vibrant during this time with a colourful festival light-up. While the annual bazaar continues this year, it will be held online to observe safety protocols.

Many Malay families are decked in new clothes that are usually colour-coordinated men typically wear loose shirts with trousers known as baju Melayu and the women in baju kurung, a loose-fitting full-length blouse and skirt combination.

Special dishes such as ketupat (rice cake), beef rendang (dry coconut stew), sambal (chilli paste), sayur lodeh (vegetable stew) and other Malay delicacies such as various kueh (cake) are served during this day.

Open houses welcoming neighbours, families and other visitors (including non-Muslims) is a traditional practice. It is common to greet people with “Salam Aidilfitri” or “Selamat Hari Raya” which means “Happy Eid”. During this time, the elderly will give children green packets with a token sum of Duit Raya (festive money).

In Malaysia, Muslims also celebrate by lighting traditional bamboo cannon firecrackers known as meriam buluh, using kerosene in large hollow bamboo tubes.

Lebaran or Idul Fitri are the popular names for Raya in Indonesia, and it is a major holiday in the country, lasting two days in their calendar. During this time, Indonesians will buy and wear new clothes and footwear, and there’s a festive atmosphere in the air.

Families will usually have a special Lebaran meal served, and dishes include ketupat, opor ayam (chicken cooked in coconut milk), rendang, sambal goreng ati (a spicy dish with liver and potatoes), sayur lodeh and lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo).

Various types of snacks including kueh, cookies, dodol (toffee-like sugar palm-based confection) and imported dates are also served during this day, together with fruit syrup beverages, such as a rose-flavoured drink known as Bandung. The children usually receive money in colourful envelopes.

For Muslims in Turkey, Eid is also known as the Ramazan Bayrami and it is a three-day affair. The first day of Eid Raya is called the Seker Bayrami (Candy Festival). It is customary for young children to visit their neighbours with good wishes of “Happy Bayram”, and in turn, they will receive sweet treats wrapped in handkerchiefs.

These include the baklava, a sweet pastry made from layers of filo and filled with nuts; and Turkish delight, a confection of gel and sugar. They might also receive a small amount of money.

Afghan Muslims start preparing for the Raya festival by cleaning their homes at least a week prior.

Many visit their local bazaars to buy new clothes, sweets and snacks, including Jelabi (a sweet pretzel-shaped snack made by deep-frying maida flour), Shor-Nakhod (made with chickpeas) and Cake wa Kolcha (a simple cake, similar to pound cake).

On the day of Raya, Afghans will first offer their prayers and then gather in their homes with their families, greeting one another by saying “Eid Mubarak“.

Family elders will give money and gifts to children during this time. Afghan men also welcome Raya with a fun food fight called Tokhm-Jangit where they gather in open spaces holding hard-boiled eggs and try to crack their opponent’s stash. When night falls, many households will light bonfires outside to gather around and socialise.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated by Malaysian Muslims every year after Ramadhan, the fasting month. Celebrated as a two-day nationwide holiday, the first day of Hari Raya starts early with the prayers at the mosque, seeking forgiveness from their family members and friends.

Eid Raya is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. It is the first time Muslims can eat during daylight hours after fasting during Ramadan. The translation of “Eid Raya” from Arabic sums up the holiday as it means “festival of breaking the fast.”

Raya is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Muslim (lunar) calendar. This means that the timing of Eid Raya (and Ramadan) is different every year as it is based on the lunar cycle. It does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different Muslims around the world.

However, some Muslims choose to celebrate Eid Raya when the new moon first appears over Mecca instead of their own locations.

Muslims around the world perform communal prayer at daybreak on the first day of Raya, after cleansing themselves and donning new clothes. They then continue to celebrate for three days. A common greeting during Eid Raya is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.” This greeting is used to wish other Muslims well during Eid.

These celebrations during Raya vary from country to country but include visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives. Through these celebrations, Muslims show their gratitude to Allah after reflecting and fasting during Ramadan.

This holiday is also a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have as well as to help the less fortunate. This is known as zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is a requirement that all Muslims with the means to do so donate to the less fortunate. Zakat significantly increases during Ramadan and continues as an important part of Eid Raya.

A popular dish served is the kabs – a hearty and delicious dish comprising rice, a mixture of spices, and served with braised meat on top. During Eid, it is usually topped with tender roasted lamb and enjoyed with guests.

During this time, gifts are often exchanged, such as date-filled pastries, butter cookies with almonds or pine nuts, spice cake, Pashmina shawls and spices. Food is also given to the poor to continue in the spirit of Ramadan.

Hari Raya Puasa, or the festival of Eid, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and the start of a new month on the Islamic calendar, Syawal. Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration of victory in completing the fast and the overcoming of personal struggles during Ramadan, as well as a time of forgiveness and strengthening of bonds amongst family members and relatives.

Muslim families will rally to spring-clean their homes and spruce them up with a fresh coat of paint and new décors. Many also flock to the popular Geylang Serai to source for carpets, cushions, curtains, etc.

Of course, a fresh start is not complete without new clothes! Traditional garb such as the songkok and samping (men), and the baju kurung/kebaya (women) are available in all colours and designs at Geylang Serai.

Most families will also opt for similar colour themes to signify familial bonds and ties. With the increasing convenience and accessibility of online shopping, more people are choosing to get their Hari Raya outfits online.

Feasting is a “must-do” during this festive period, and much effort and time are put into preparing and cooking mouth-watering dishes, such as lontong, ketupat, rendang, curry ayam, sambal goreng, etc. The pestles and mortars, charcoal stoves, pots and pans will all be out in full force most of the time till the wee hours of the morning!

Homemade sweet temptations are highlights of the festivity too! One can expect popular treats such as the Almond London, Kuih Bangkit, Semperit Pandan, etc. Recipes can be found here.

The visitations begin! First-day visits are usually set aside for the immediate and extended family.

Everyone will congregate at a senior family member’s home for a time of fellowship and feasting. A practice where family members seek forgiveness from each other is also observed, to start relationships on a clean slate.

During visitation, it is advisable to observe the following etiquette:

• Be smart and neatly attired. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, such as shorts and sleeveless tops.
• Remove your shoes before entering your host’s house.
• Some women may not be comfortable shaking hands with the men. The men can choose to acknowledge the women with a smile instead.

The Muslim community is also encouraged to be charitable during this period, and the giving of the green packet is a form of such charity. Green packets are generally given to children and young adults who are not working. The gift amount is not fixed and it depends on the individual giver.

In the midst of all the festivities, the best part about celebrating Hari Raya is the renewal of familial ties and bonds. Spending quality time with loved ones is ultimately what truly makes the busyness of the season so meaningful.

Hari Raya literally means ‘celebration day’, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the day that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is considered one of the two most important celebrations for Muslims, the other being Hari Raya Haji the festival of Abraham’s sacrifice.

Hari Raya is one of the biggest holidays in Malaysia, and many Muslims (and even non-Muslims) return to their family home (balik kampong) driving or flying home for a couple of days before the day to be with their families and loved ones. There are often jams during this travelling time but these soon resolve as other travellers reach their destinations.

Raya sees families and friends seeking forgiveness from each other, visiting ancestors’ graves, saying prayers at the mosque and visiting relatives and friends to feast on traditional Malay delicacies like ketupat, rendang, satay, lemang and curry. In Malaysia, children are given token sums of money from their parents or elders.

What Is The Cultural Significance Of Raya In Different Parts Of The World?

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? Eid Raya (“Festival of breaking fast” in Arabic), known in Singapore as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa, falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Hijrah (Islamic) calendar.

It is a celebratory occasion following a month of fasting, which is known as Ramada. The term hari raya is Malay for “big (or grand) day of rejoicing”.

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? Turkish Raya celebrations are marked by sunny beaches! Yes, you read that right! Many Turks flock to the beach during the Raya holiday to take advantage of the hot weather.

With Muslims making up close to 98% of the population in Turkey, many families travel to different provinces to visit relatives during the Eid Raya holiday.

So where does a visit to the beach come in? Other than visiting family on the first day of the Eid Raya celebrations, Muslims in Turkey also make use of the second and third days to lounge by the inviting waters of the sea. Fishing, swimming, and other fun–filled activities ensue at these sandy coasts as family and friends take advantage of the long public holiday to rest and relax.

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? On the sunny island of Singapore, one of the highlights of the Raya celebrations is the explosion of colours lighting up the Geylang Serai area. One of Singapore’s oldest Malay settlements, Geylang Serai has been the centre of Raya celebrations for Muslims living in Singapore.

A spectacular display of lights illuminates the streets of Geylang Serai each year. We’ve heard these displays can feature over 50 different types of light and visual installations, all depicting a kaleidoscope of lively colour.

Geylang Serai is also home to the annual Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. Food is definitely the centre of attraction at the bazaar, which features over a hundred food vendors that serve up gloriously divine traditional Malay foods.

Over the last several years, vendors have also been serving Instagram–worthy foods like bubble tea desserts and flaming marshmallows on a stick. A feast for the eyes and a treat for the belly!

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? The celebration of Raya in Iceland is by far the most unique on this list. That said, while the community is certainly growing, Muslims still remain a minority of the Icelandic population.

Leading up to the celebration Raya, Muslims in Iceland also partake in the dusk–to–dawn fast during Ramadan. In the peak of summer, the sun remains up in the sky for a longer time than usual, the sun setting at midnight and returning two hours later.

This means that Muslims living in Iceland are required to fast up to 22 hours a day. While this sounds like a very challenging feat, Islamic scholars and experts have offered an alternative to those who live in the land of the midnight sun.

Icelandic Muslims can choose to break their fast based on the timings of sunrise and sunset from the nearest country or observe Saudi Arabia’s timezone.

Raya is celebrated in one of the few mosques in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland.

Guests who visit the mosque come armed with an international buffet of mouth–watering foods, including foods from Indonesian, Egyptian and Eritrean cuisines to celebrate this holy and joyous occasion. Much to the delight of the children, the little ones wear their best clothes and exchange gifts with fellow friends and family members.

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? In Egypt, Raya celebrations are marked by the cheerful spirit of visiting older family members after morning prayers at the mosque. Often, elders give a small token of money to the younger ones in the family.

With family get–togethers being the focus of the festivities, many Egyptians flock to public gardens and zoos to celebrate the occasion. Giza Zoo is one of the most popular locations for families, with the zoo planning ahead of Eid Raya celebrations to welcome throngs of families who come to view the animals and more importantly, spend well–earned time with each other.

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? Raya festivities in Auckland begin with the usual rituals of morning prayers and cleansing.

After that, Eden Park opens its doors to the bi–annual Eid Day, a fun–filled event filled with activities for everyone. The festival at Eden Park features all sorts of carnival fun including mechanical bulls, human foosball, and a variety of food vendors selling delectable delights from around the region.

While Eid Day is a great time for families and friends to celebrate the occasion together, it also serves as an important event for visitors from all walks of life to learn and embrace the Muslim community during this special occasion.

What is the cultural significance of Raya in different parts of the world? On Raya, Muslims in the UK usually start the day by performing ghusl, a full-body purification ritual.

They then dress in their finest outfits and attend a prayer service at an outdoor prayer ground or the local mosque. Afterwards, it is customary to embrace and wish each other Eid Mubarak, which translates as “have a blessed Eid,” give gifts to children, and visit friends and relatives.

One of the central rituals on Eid al-Adha is Qurbani, the act of sacrificing a sheep, goat, or cow. According to Islamic rules, the animal must be an adult and in good health, and British law additionally mandates that the animal must be killed in an official slaughterhouse.

The meat is then divided between family, friends, and the poor. Other Muslims give money to charity to give poorer families the chance to have a proper Eid feast. Mosques or other groups may arrange communal meals.

Eid ul-Adha has a celebratory character, and the day may be rounded off by visiting funfairs or festivals held for the occasion in some British cities.

Initiatives to improve the quality of life or opportunities in Muslim communities around the United Kingdom may be launched on Eid ul-Adha. Some mosques also hold study days or lectures on aspects of Islam and Islamic history.

How Is Raya Celebrated In Different Regions And What Are Some Common Traditions?

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? In Turkey, Raya is known as Ramazan Bayrami (Ramadan festival) or Seker Bayrami (festivals of sweets).

People wear their new clothes referred to as bayramlik and wish each other Bayraminiz Mubarek Olsun which translates to ‘May your Bayram (Eid) be blessed’. It is a public holiday, where government offices and schools are generally closed for the whole three-day period of the festivities.

It is of utmost importance to honour elderly citizens by kissing their right hand and placing it on one’s forehead all the while conveying the Bayram greetings.

It is also important for young children to go from door to door around their neighbourhood, wishing everyone a “Happy Bayram,” for which they are rewarded with candy, traditional sweets such as baklava and Turkish Delight, chocolates, or a small amount of money at every door, similar to the custom of Halloween in the United States.

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? Raya is locally known as Lebaran in Indonesia and it is the most important holiday for Indonesians. Similar to other Muslim nations, Indonesians also celebrate with prayers, gatherings, and family reunions.

One of the foremost traditions is Mudik (homecoming) where those who leave their hometowns to work in the big cities travel back to their places to spend Eid with their families.

A ritual called the Halal Bihalal is also performed during or after Eid which involves seeking forgiveness from everyone including friends, colleagues, neighbours, and relatives.

Kids are gifted with colourful envelopes of money by their elders when they visit them. Most Indonesian Muslims wear cultural clothing on Eid day, differing for both men and women in style. Relatives also visit the graves of their loved ones during the festival of Eid.

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? Eid in Malaysia is a joyous occasion like anywhere else, and most people travel to their hometowns to be with their families.

People decorate their homes with oil lamps known as Pelita and cook traditional foods for Eid, including Ketupat or rice dumplings, and Rendang, a popular meat dish to honour guests in South East Asian countries.

Locally known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, meaning the celebration of Raya, it is a day when traditional dresses are worn by all.

Raya celebrations have always been like an open house in Malaysia, with everyone being welcomed in every home and an open-door festive atmosphere that greets people to enjoy the meals and have a good time, without differentiating between them based on economic status, religion, or caste. Families usually take turns in opening their homes to guests for the day.

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, South Africa, Nigeria, and several others, celebrate raya in a similar fashion with prayers in the morning at the local mosques before the grand family get-together, where local food items play a dominant role.

In Morocco, traditional dresses are worn by men and women, and Moroccan pancakes are a breakfast staple, along with their famous mint tea, while in Somalia, Halvo is the dessert of the day.

In Mombasa, Muslims mark the last ten days of Ramzan (known as Kumi la mwisho) with street festivals and socialising. The festival, which is open in the evening when the daily fast ends, offer people a chance to buy presents for friends and family. Storytellers also roam the streets in some places during Eid, entertaining kids with folktales.

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? Leading up to the celebration of Raya, Muslims in Iceland also partake in the dusk-to-dawn fast during Ramzan.

In the peak of summer, the sun remains up in the sky for a longer time than usual, the sun setting at midnight and returning two hours later. This means that Muslims living in Iceland are required to fast up to 22 hours a day.

While this sounds like a very challenging feat, Islamic scholars and experts have offered an alternative to those who live in the land of the midnight sun. Icelandic Muslims can choose to break their fast based on the timings of sunrise and sunset from the nearest country or observe Saudi Arabia’s time zone.

The auspicious day is celebrated in one of the few mosques in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Guests who visit the mosque come armed with an international buffet of mouth-watering foods, including foods from Indonesian, Egyptian and Eritrean cuisines to celebrate this holy and joyous occasion.

Much to the delight of the children, the little ones wear their best clothes and exchange gifts with fellow friends and family members.

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? Muslims in the UK usually start the day by waking up early and gathering in the local mosque or at an outdoor prayer ground for the Eid prayers. People celebrating Eid dress in their finest clothes and may adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.

If you visit a Muslim community during Eid, you will likely hear people wishing each other Eid Mubarak. This translates as “Blessed Eid” or “Happy Eid.”

How is Raya celebrated in different regions and what are some common traditions? Raya is a joyful occasion with a focus on the family. Some Muslim communities organise events offering various family activities. In some UK cities, such as London and Birmingham, these events usually attract thousands of people.

The Eid Festival (also known as Eid in the Square) in London’s Trafalgar Square is held annually on the Saturday following Raya. It usually features live entertainment, stalls, exhibitions, and children’s activities.

What Is The History Behind The Raya Festival And How Has It Evolved Over Time?

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? Though some Muslims observe other special days throughout the year, including the beginning of the new year according to the Islamic calendar and the day the Prophet Muhammad was born.

The two Eids are the only holidays celebrated by the entire Muslim community worldwide. Raya marks the end of the fast of Ramadan.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? Raya was first started by the Prophet Muhammed himself when he migrated from Mecca to Medina. It was here that Muhammed told his followers of two new important holidays for prayer and to remember his generosity Raya and Eid al-Adha.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? Raya is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. It can be translated as “the feast of fast-breaking” as it commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims who are able to do so will fast from before dawn until after sunset each day.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? This holiday was established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal to mark the conclusion of Ramadan. According to some beliefs, the festivals of Eid al-Fitr began in Medina after the Hegira (departure of Muhammad from Mecca) in 622 AD.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? As Muslims across the globe prepare for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to end, they are also gearing us to mark the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? Raya Also known as Meethi Eid or Eid al-Fitr, the festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims hold Roza (fast) from dawn to dusk for a month and engage in acts of worship and spiritual reflection.

Eid-Ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion and one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic religion.

What is the history behind the Raya festival and how has it evolved over time? On this day, Muslims end their Roza, thank Allah for offering them health and resistance during Ramadan, wear new clothes, prepare special delicacies, do charity, and get together with their loved ones.

The festival is usually celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, after the sighting of the new moon.

Raya Conclusion

Raya Conclusion. Raya is a significant festival in the Islamic calendar. This holiday marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims not only celebrate the end of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting but also thank Allah for the Quran, which was first revealed towards the end of Ramadan.

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