Hari Raya is the best gift
Eat, drink and ask forgiveness – those are the aims of many on the first day of Hari Raya. Which is why it is not recommended for women to wear tight-fitting kebayas or sheer baju kurungs, as it wouldn’t be as flattering after all that feasting. Plus, with so many scrumptious food to eat and houses to visit, would one be able to suppress the temptations for the sake of maintaining a slim silhouette?
In Bahasa Malaysia, Hari Raya means the "Day of Celebration". A public holiday in Malaysia, it is celebrated by all Malaysians regardless their races or religions. Sometimes the events and activities leading to the day itself, like driving home to the kampung or scrubbing the house clean inside and out, mean more to some.
But for most people, nothing beats the moment when it is time to seek forgiveness from parents and the elderly on the morning of Hari Raya. I have seen grown men reduced to tears, ladies sobbing and children crying - which just tear one’s heart out when seeking for forgiveness from family, friends and relatives over the wrongdoings that had been done over the past year. After all, forgiving is much better than holding a grudge for a year.
Adorning colorful, often new Raya attire like Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya, Baju Melayu and all sorts is something that most are looking forward to. After a small breakfast just to line the stomach after a month of not having it, an annual “Solat Sunat Hari Raya” is performed at the mosque, and a visit to the graveyard to pray for the dearly departed ones is followed.
While the tradition differs from one family to another, the subsequent events usually involve family gatherings and photo taking sessions, whereby families would flock to the photography studio to get their photos taken and get them processed there. However in modern times there is probably someone in the family who’s an inspiring photographer, so the whole clan would just pose for a family photo in the family home.But, as the Japanese proverb goes “It is easier to rule a kingdom than to regulate a family” Hari Raya is full of surprises, events and happenings, especially when siblings and relatives gather under one roof after a long while, and there’s no telling on what can be anticipated on the day itself.
One thing's for sure, nobody can complain of being hungry on Hari Raya day. Food is aplenty; and with so many choices, so many ‘open houses’ to go to, it is indeed hard to say no to second (and third) helpings. From ketupat, lemang and rendang to cakes and kuih rayas there’s no mention of the word “diet” on the day of celebration, everybody’s out to have a great time in the presence of good food and greater company.

Not to be forgotten, programmed on TV have been quite a hit with guests and hosts alike. Although there are indeed a lot of Hari Raya-based shows on offer, circus acts never fail to make their appearances over the years. Those who are on visits to the open houses, especially the young ones, would sometimes be glued to the idiot box for hours. It somehow defeats the main goal for the visits – which was to tighten relationships among each other over yummy delicacies.
At the risk of sounding rather corny, the concept of Hari Raya open house really does bring people from all sorts of races and social backgrounds together. Where else can we see a mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, Caucasians and others congregating happily, eating, drinking and socialising? Only happen on Hari Raya.