Hari Raya Puasa commemorates the end of the Ramadan fasting month. It is a time for repentance in the Muslim world, as well as for relatives and friends to strengthen their bonds. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated with new clothes, beautifully decorated homes, and the exchange of invitations between friends and family. Not to mention the popular Singapore snack Hari Raya cookies.
Hari Raya Puasa is observed on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The dates of Hari Raya Puasa vary from year to year because the Hijrah is based on the lunar calendar. Hari Raya Puasa is not to be confused with the first day of the Islamic New Year.
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid-Al-Fitr Day, is a major festival observed by Muslims worldwide, including Singapore, to mark the end of Ramadan.
Ramadan is hailed as the holiest month of the year. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during this period, not eating or drinking. Muslims are encouraged to meditate and reflect during this month to cleanse and strengthen their faith because fasting is one of Islam's five pillars.
Eid-Al-Fitr occurs at the end of Ramadan on the first day of the tenth month, Syawal. Eid is a triumphant and celebratory day because it recognises a person's victory in exercising self-control and command over his impulses. The festival is known as "Hari Raya," in Malay, which means "major (or grand) day of rejoicing."
The first day following Ramadan is jam-packed with activities. On Hari Raya Puasa morning, Muslims will go to the mosque to recite special prayers to mark the end of the month-long fast. Other customs include seeking forgiveness from elders and paying visits to relatives and associates.
Many Muslims start their pilgrimages by apologising to their parents for wrongdoings committed the previous year. While Muslims are not required to visit cemeteries during Hari Raya, many do so in memory of loved ones who have died. In Singapore, they will also partake in Hari Raya cookie feasts.
Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated as a public holiday in Singapore. This day is celebrated by Muslims by eating a variety of delectable foods. There will be beef rendang, ketupat (rice cake wrapped in coconut leaf), and lontong (a spicy beef dish similar to a dry curry) on the menu (rice cake immersed in coconut gravy). Along with these, Hari Raya cookies Singapore, cakes, and pineapple tarts will be available.
A lampu colok, a small handcrafted kerosene lamp, was once used to light up homes. Decorative, flickering lights are currently popular.
Between 1996 and 1998, Hari Raya Puasa was especially memorable in Singapore because it coincided with Chinese New Year. This was a significant step forward in Singapore's racial harmony history. Singapore Hari Raya cookies go well with Chinese New Year treats.
Read more about the history of Hari Raya - https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_919_2004-12-20.html
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