The fasting month of Ramadan comes to an end on Hari Raya Puasa. It is a time of forgiveness within the Muslim community, as well as a time for relatives and friends to reinforce their ties. Hari Raya Puasa is marked by new clothing, decorated homes, and the exchange of invitations between friends and relatives. Not forgetting the Hari Raya cookies Singapore as part of the tradition of celebration with huge feasts on snacks.
Hari Raya Puasa occurs on the first day of the tenth month, according to the Hijrah calendar. Since the Hijrah is based on the lunar calendar, the dates of Hari Raya Puasa differ from year to year. Hari Raya Puasa is not to be confused with the Islamic New Year's first day.
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid-Al-Fitr Day, is a major festival commemorating the end of Ramadan that is observed by Muslims around the world, including in Singapore.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is regarded as the holiest of all the months. At this time, Muslims practise a fast, in which they abstain from eating or drinking from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of Islam's five pillars, and Muslims are encouraged to meditate and reflect during this month in order to purify and reinforce their faith.
The first day of Syawal, the tenth month, which is Eid-Al-Fitr, falls at the end of Ramadan. Eid is regarded as a day of triumph and celebration because it recognises a person's victory in exercising self-control and command over his desires. This is reflected in the festival's regional name, "Hari Raya," which means "major (or grand) day of rejoicing" in Malay.
The first day after Ramadan is jam-packed with activities. Muslims will visit the mosque and recite special prayers on the morning of Hari Raya Puasa to commemorate the end of the month-long fast. Other customs observed include asking elders for forgiveness and paying visits to relatives and acquaintances.
Many Muslims have a tradition of starting their visits at their parents' house, where they seek forgiveness for the wrongs they have committed in the previous year. Though it is not obligatory for Muslims to visit the cemetery during Hari Raya, many do so in honour of those who have passed away. They also would binge their mouths on feasts of Hari Raya cookies Singapore.
In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday. Muslims have a luxurious array of food on their dining table on this day. They'd serve beef rendang (a spicy beef dish that's similar to a dry curry), ketupat (rice cake wrapped in coconut leaf), and lontong (rice cake immersed in coconut gravy). Hari Raya cookies Singapore, cakes, and pineapple tarts will be served with these.
Lampu colok, a small kerosene lamp that was typically handmade, was used to light homes in the past. The use of decorative, flickering lights is now fashionable.
A memorable Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore would be between 1996 and 1998 when the Hari Raya Puasa coincided with Chinese New Year. This was a huge step forward in racial harmony history in Singapore. Hari Raya cookies Singapore would be enjoyed together with CNY goodies.