You definitely know Hari Raya is here when you see workplaces, houses, streets outside and shopping malls being lit by ketupat and crescent moon-shaped fairy lights, not to mention Malaysians prepping themselves to stunningly be well-dressed in traditional and modern baju Melayu and baju kurung.
What An Icon:
8 Malaysian Hari Raya Moments
That Make Raya Special
Malaysians regardless of their race, religion and values will also share the joy of this festivity, let it be for the food, the classic yet iconic Hari Raya songs, the delicious mouth-watering delicacies of rendang and lemang or simply to enjoy this special long holiday with family and friends.
There are so many iconic scenarios and moments of Hari Raya that wholesomely make celebrating Raya just special and in the feels of everyone.
In this article, let's delve into the iconic moments that are incredibly relatable to all Malaysians when celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri:
" Of course, for many us Malaysians, this is nothing new. Not just for Raya but for any long holiday that exists in Malaysia.
The roads are expected to be congested as the city dwellers leave for their hometowns and kampungs to visit their families and relatives.
But somehow, there's a weird feeling of Raya long road trip journeys with loved ones that creates one of the memorable family time moments.
2. Longstanding Tradition of Open Houses
Now tell us, what exactly is Hari Raya without the traditionally iconic open houses!
This is one of the many pivotal moments of Raya, bringing together family, friends (basically anyone that brings joy in other people's lives) filled with laughter as well as reminiscing about past experiences with loved ones.
Open houses during Raya just always creates that social light of truly living the moment and celebrating what really matters.
3. Blasting Hari Raya Songs All Day Long
There's only one true meaning to this. Constant Raya songs for the upcoming months ahead. Prepare yourself for endless Raya tunes.
Social media users, radio listeners, television watchers and shopping mall goers will be absolutely soothed by Raya tunes that are either older such as "Selamat Hari Raya" by Saloma and "Aidilfitri" by Sanisah Huri or newer songs such as "Raya Raya Raya" by Dolla and "Lagu Raya" by Imsomniacks.
Malaysians from all age groups will be singing Raya hits throughout the festive season.
4. Dress to Impress - The Raya Edition
" Ahh yes. What every Malaysian mostly prioritises and cares for the most part of Hari Raya. The creativity of Raya OOTD (outfit of the day).
" What better moment than Hari Raya to really dress up in a unique colour theme and looking amazingly on Raya fleek.
" A blend of embracing your unique clothing style together with a more traditional and cultured look of baju Melayu and baju kurung expresses that "it takes time to look this good".
5. Raya Food Mode: On
Okay, probably the moment in Hari Raya that never fails in providing the social bond and bringing every single person together. Raya food is always the answer.
Hari Raya celebrations are never complete without iconic dishes such as rendang, ketupat, and lemang.
Every Malaysian during Raya can easily without a doubt, indulge and treat themselves to delicious Raya food...then putting themselves in a situation of food coma.
6. Lifesavers: Roadside Lemang Stalls
Then there's the ultimate lifesavers during any Hari Raya for those families that have forgotten their lemang or need a restock of lemang for their open house.
Rows of lemang stalls by the roadside always attracts Malaysians passing by and wanting to buy some tasty lemangs to go with that delicious rendang.
An increased demand for lemang during Raya makes it a hot commodity for Malaysians to easily buy it on their way back to their kampungs.
7. Satisfying Afternoon Nap After Food Coma
A tiring morning of attending Raya prayers at mosques and entertaining family and guests, Malaysians unquestionably find themselves in a good afternoon nap to prepare for the next round of entertaining.
That afternoon nap is just what every Malaysian needs to replenish for more Raya celebrations and food afterwards.
Having a necessary afternoon nap during Raya mostly hits different, which means your Raya was well spent.
8. Duit Raya From the Heart
Before all those long-awaited Hari Raya family photos of astonishing same Raya coloured theme dressings, comes one of the littlest joys of Raya and that is receiving and/or giving duit raya.
Both Malaysian children and adults look forward in an act of spreading blessing as well as generosity.
Nothing beats that Raya cherry-on-top and pure excitement of patiently either getting duit raya or giving duit raya.
What better way to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri than re-living every moment that simply and genuinely makes Raya for what it is. This being memorable, unique, nostalgic or even just cringey, every Raya has its own iconic moments that are special.
It's these special Raya moments that truly make the celebration worthwhile.
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