SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!!

Hari Raya Puasa is major festival of the Muslims in Malaysia. 'Hari Raya' is Malay for "Grand day of rejoicing". It is also known in Arabic as 'Edil Fitri'. It is celebrated to mark the end of the fasting month of 'Ramadan' on sighting of the new moon. The month of fasting is known as 'Ramadhan'. Ramadan is the period of fasting for one-month from dawn till dusk with abstinence from certain "no-no's" like lying, doing wrong deeds, smoking and making physical relations and etc (thou shall not sin).

According to the Muslim calendar, Hari Raya Puasa falls on the first month of the Muslim month of 'Shawal'. Shawal is the 10th month in the Muslim calender. The Muslims follow the lunar calendar as opposed to the solar calendar and therefore the dates on which Hari Raya Puasa falls varies each year. Hari Raya Puasa therefore should not be mistaken for the first day of the Malay or Muslim New Year.

On the day of Hari Raya Puasa, the day begins with Muslims turning out in their new attire and assemble for mass prayer early in the morning. It is followed a visit to the cemetery to pay a visit to the departed relative/s and friend/s.

It is also the day of forgiveness when younger seek for mercy from their elders ("maaf zahir batin"). The elders give the younger blessings and packets of money (green packets). The celebration of the festival of Hari Raya Puasa continues for a month but public holiday is only for the first two days. Traditional Malay delicacies, namely, Lemang (my favourite), Ketupat, Lontong, Nasi Padang and Beef Rendang and other spicy food that are prepared and served on Hari Raya Puasa.

Woohooo!Can't wait to go visit my muslim friends this morning to feast on those delicious LEMANGS and BEEF RENDANGS!!! Here is wishing all Muslims "SELAMAT HARI RAYA"!!!