About Hari Raya

Hari Raya is an important religious festival celebrated by the Muslims in Singapore. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting. Muslims celebrate this festival with great fun and enthusiasm. In 2021, Hari Raya will be observed on 13th May. This festival marks a person’s victory on discipline and self-resistance. People who fast during the month of Ramadan abstain from smoking, drinking, and sexual relations. They do not eat or drink anything after sunrise and before sunset. People need to keep their minds pure from evil thoughts or intentions during this holy month. Furthermore, exchanging Hari Raya hampers is also a common sight to convey greetings and wishes of the occasion.

When the new moon is seen on the last day of Ramadan, the fasting period comes to an end. On the morning of Hari Raya, the Malay families in Singapore wake up early and wear new clothes. Women wear a Baju Kurong, Baju Kebaya or Jubah. Men wear the male version of Baju Kurong together with a Kain Samping. Houses are cleaned and decorated. The mosques are decorated with green, yellow, and gold coloured lights. Men visit the mosque and thank God for the blessings they have in life. The children seek forgiveness from their elders and receive green packets of money as gifts.

After prayers, people visit their friends and relatives, exchange wishes and relish delicious food. That’s the reason, Hari Raya is considered the time of feasts, homecoming, and forgiveness. Ketupat is one of the most relished dishes at Hari Raya, which is served together with beef rending and grilled meat. Lemang (rice cooked in bamboo tunes), curry chicken, and serunding (dry coconut fried with chilli) are other delicious foods that people relish on this special occasion. People exchange sweets, cookies or Kueh on Hari Raya along with warm wishes as a gesture of love and gratitude.