KUCHING: Hari Raya Aidilfitri has become a festival of gathering, a celebration after a month of restraint, reflection and gratitude for what one has while remembering those in need, as Raya embodies togetherness in its purest form.
Anticipation grows way before the night of Raya. The sound of takbir echoing from the local surau, with houses donned in colourful lights along with oil lamps lining the fences, smell of woodsmoke from lemang pits and the aroma of home-cooked meals.
For Mohamad Haziq Mohamad Fuad, 24, the culture of Raya in Sarawak is unmatched compared to other states.
“From day one of Syawal until the end, everyone is dressed up in baju Melayu and baju kurung, looking fresh,” he said.
“The whole Raya environment feels alive with music, food, and people laughing. It is just pure festive energy.”
As someone who prefers to host an open house, he shared that he enjoys welcoming guests to his home.
“I like having everyone come over to eat, chill and catch up. Then I would go visit their house, it is the best of both worlds honestly,” he added.
To him, Raya is about reconnecting and sharing meaningful moments.
“I enjoy celebrating until midnight, where the ambience is still alive, laughing and chatting like it is still early, and most importantly, the karaoke session,” he shared.
Rakocevich Awit, 22, a non-Muslim, also enjoys celebrating Raya with his friends and relatives.
“Raya’s atmosphere has always been very vibrant with colourful outfits and delightful aroma of traditional dishes,” he said.
A fan of Raya dishes such as chicken rendang, lemang (bamboo-cooked glutinous rice), and daging masak hitam (spicy black beef), he also ensures his preparations are in place before heading out to fill his stomach with the delicacies.
“I will always check my car condition before going to any open house to avoid unwanted issues,” he added.
Rako also recalled his most memorable Raya experience, where he gets to visit lots of welcoming houses.
“In 2022, there was a day where I managed to visit 10 houses in a day in Kota Samarahan,” he said.
“Although it was quite a struggle due to small roads, limited parking space, and traffic, I got to meet many friendly villagers along the way and enjoy the kampung (village) vibes of Raya.”
Proud of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, he expressed his hope to see more diverse attire during open houses.
“I would like to invite my friends from different races to each wear their own traditional clothes to any open houses, it would be fun while also showcase Malaysia’s harmonious culture,” he opined.
Similarly, Azrin Effandy, 42, also said that Raya is all about togetherness with relatives who live far away, reminding him how things were when he was younger.
“I miss celebrating Raya when I was a child, when my family would help each other with preparations and spend time with my grandparents,” he added.
“It was all done without the distractions of the digital world we live in now, it was much more engaging back then.”
Azrin also highlighted the openness of Sarawak in embracing its multicultural society, noting that different regions celebrate Raya in their own unique ways.
However, in facing today’s realities, he said this year’s Raya feels different due to economic challenges, as people are encouraged to save for uncertainties ahead.
“What I stand for this year are my core values: family, respect, and unity. Our nation still stands strong so the challenge is to preserve our modern lifestyle today,” he added.
Despite changing times and challenges faced, the essence of Hari Raya Aidilfitri remains unchanged.
It continues to bring people together by bridging differences, strengthening bonds, and reminding everyone that the true meaning of Raya lies in unity, gratitude, and togetherness, all while cherishing the people that truly matter before it is too late.
