Happy Eid!: Another New Year of 2008 in Malaysia

Hari Raya (Day of Celebrations) is a Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan during the holy month of fasting. In Kuala Lumpur it is a joyous occasion that commemorates the personal triumph of every Muslim by the end of the fast. It also marks the start of the Muslim New Year. It is actually the fourth New Year in a country like Malaysia where Muslims, Chinese, Hindu, and Christians coexist.

In the run up to the Hari Raya celebrations, Muslims keep vigil at the Mosques for the Night of Decree, the night when the Muslim holy book Quran is sent down. Muslims believe that on this night angels descend and shower grace. To receive these blessings, homes as well as mosques and commercial buildings are brightly decorated with oil lamps. Malls and hotels in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia also play Selamat Hari Raya jingles.

Everyone Invited—But Hari Raya in Malaysia is not just for Muslims. During the celebrations, Malaysia has a tradition called Open House, where friends are welcomed to households and are offered buffets, while government offices like the King’s Palace is opened to the public.

Of course, the great-bargain sales at malls and low-rate promotions at hotels in Malaysia are for everyone for the taking as well. In addition, the colorful displays on the streets, the festivities, and merry festivities can be enjoyed in Malaysia during this time of year.

Selamat Hari Raya!—Another tradition observed in Malaysiaaway of duit raya to kids. For non-Muslims, it is pretty much like gift giving during Christmas. Wrapped in green envelopes, duit raya is goodwill money handed out to loved ones and friends.

Malaysia's commercial establishments like the Zon Hotel in Kuala Lumpur raffle off duit raya to its guests and patrons. From September to October, two guests at the Zon Hotel get a chance to win RM1,000. In keeping with the spirit of Hari Raya, these establishments and hotels are also garbed in colorful decors and festive atmosphere.

Eid ul’Fitr Buffet—During the holy month of Ramadan on the month of Syawal, Muslims serve buffets called Buka Puasa at the end of the day to break the fast. Toward the end of the holy month, the buffets get bigger in serving and the celebrations pick up. Malls, restaurants, and hotels in Malaysia serve Buka Puasa to mark the end of fasting and the start of the New Year.

Of particular interest is the last 10 days of Ramadan, when the religious traditions become more and more joyous celebrations of the New Year and merrymaking. Among the specialties served at buffets in the Malaysia hotel include ketupat (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk and/or grilled meat on a skewer), lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (desiccated coconut fried with chili), and curry chicken.