Hari Raya Puasa is a festive celebrated by Muslims. Hari Raya literally means ‘celebration day’, and Hari Raya Puasa is the day that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Hari Raya Puasa is considered one of the two most important celebrations for Muslims, the other being Hari Raya Haji.

Hari Raya is one of the biggest holidays in Malaysia, and many Muslims (and even non-Muslims) balik kampung, driving or flying home for a couple of days before the festive to be with their families and loved ones.

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

The Ramadan period has communal aspects to it, with many of the basic values of the Muslim community, such as empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness, and patience, being expressed more during this period.

During Ramadan, decorations of kampung houses, ketupats, oil lamps and colorful lights decorate big malls like Mid Valley, One Utama, Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid and the Curve. Little shops alike are decorated in the lead-up.

Across the country, the Ramadan month provides great food choices for those who like to sample authentic Malay cuisines.