Hari Raya Aidilfitri Description
The most significant festival in the Malaysian Islamic calendar, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. On the morning, Muslims dress in new traditional clothing — baju Melayu for men and baju kurung or kebaya for women — and attend special congregational prayers at mosques. The tradition of bermaaf-maafan involves seeking and granting forgiveness among family and friends. The hallmark of the celebration is the open house tradition: homes of all ethnic groups welcome visitors to enjoy ketupat (rice cakes), rendang (spiced meat), lemang (glutinous rice in bamboo), and a vast array of kuih (traditional sweets). Government offices, banks, and almost all businesses close. The tradition of giving duit raya (green packets with money) to children and elders mirrors the Chinese ang pow custom, reflecting Malaysia's cultural blending.
