“Forgiveness is a key message in Islam. We all make mistakes. Let’s not be too proud to admit that we are not perfect.”
– Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister
TODAY is Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the festival that holds a special place in my heart, despite my not being Muslim.
As a Hindu who celebrates Deepavali, one might wonder why Hari Raya is, undoubtedly, my favourite festival. The answer lies in a mix of nostalgia, culture, camaraderie and, of course, food (did I mention food?).
Let’s start with the obvious. Hari Raya food is legendary! I can never get enough of satay, ketupat, kelupis and lemang, and all the glorious dishes that accompany them. The rich, savoury taste of rendang, the sticky sweetness of dodol, and the buttery goodness of kuih semperit make my taste buds dance in delight.
Hari Raya is, quite literally, a feast for the senses. I have no shame in admitting that when Raya approaches, I count down the days not just for the celebration but for the spread of deliciousness that awaits me. If food is the way to a man’s heart, then Hari Raya has stolen mine entirely!
Beyond the food, what makes Raya truly special is the culture of open houses. This is a tradition I eagerly look forward to every year. As a child growing up in Sibu in the 60s and 70s, I fondly remember donning a baju Melayu and songkok and making the rounds with my friends, visiting houses in the kampung. Whether we knew the hosts personally or not, we were welcomed with open arms, warm smiles, and, yes, delicious food!
Hospitality runs deep in the Malay community. Raya is a time when doors are literally and figuratively open. The spirit of sharing is infectious, and as guests, we never felt like outsiders. Whether we were childhood friends or simply acquaintances, everyone was family during Raya. The warmth of those moments is something I carry with me to this day.
My connection to Hari Raya is also deeply personal. I was raised in a Malay environment, cared for by a wonderful Malay nanny named Maimunah who was like a second mother to me. Every year, during Raya, I would spend days at her home, soaking in the festive atmosphere. It was through these experiences that I came to appreciate Malay customs, traditions, and the deep sense of community that defines the festival.
In those days, duit raya wasn’t as common as it is today. There were no elaborate decorations or extravagant gifts – just pure joy, togetherness, and the simple pleasure of celebrating with loved ones.
Sometimes, we would cheekily invite ourselves to houses where we weren’t explicitly “ajak” (invited). Yet, we were never turned away. Instead, we were met with plates of kuih and friendly questions like, “Kita tok Thambi atau Melayu? (Are you Indian or Malay?).” My ability to speak fluent Sarawakian Malay often left them pleasantly surprised, and their reactions were priceless.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Hari Raya is the tradition of seeking forgiveness. “Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin” is more than just a greeting – it is a heartfelt plea for absolution, a reminder that no matter our differences, we should always strive for understanding and reconciliation.
The Malay community’s culture of forgiveness is something truly admirable. Raya is not just about celebrating – it is about letting go of grudges, mending broken relationships, and starting anew. Imagine how much more peaceful the world would be if we all embraced this practice beyond just one day of the year!
Hari Raya is more than just a celebration for Muslims; it is a festival that brings people of all backgrounds together. In Malaysia, we are blessed with a diverse array of celebrations, from Deepavali to Chinese New Year to Gawai Dayak. These festivals are opportunities to experience different cultures, traditions, and – most importantly – each other.
There are few places in the world where a person like me, a Hindu, can walk into a Muslim household during Raya and be treated like family. This, to me, is the essence of Malaysia.
Our multiracial and multi-religious society has long thrived on mutual respect, tolerance, and a shared love for celebration. It is my hope that this spirit continues to prevail for generations to come.
As our country grows and changes, our leaders must prioritise unity and togetherness, ensuring that our festivals remain a reflection of our shared values rather than a point of division.
Every festival carries a profound message of love, harmony, and understanding. Let us continue to cherish these moments, embrace our differences, and celebrate the ties that bind us together as Malaysians.
Thinking back, I realise that my fondest memories of Raya were never about the grandeur of the celebrations, but rather the small, intimate moments of human connection. The laughter shared over a plate of satay, the friendly banter with neighbours, the warm hugs exchanged after seeking forgiveness – these are the things that make Hari Raya so incredibly special.
The nostalgia of childhood celebrations always makes me long for those simpler days when the world seemed kinder, and festivals were pure expressions of joy and unity. In the modern age, as social media and commercialisation slowly creep into the way we celebrate, I hope we never lose sight of what truly matters.
Hari Raya is not just about grand feasts and elaborate outfits; it is about the love we share and the bonds we strengthen. And let’s not forget the charm of Raya nights! When the day’s festivities slow down and the sky is illuminated by bursts of fireworks, there’s an undeniable magic in the air.
I remember, as a child, sitting outside with my friends, our faces lit by the soft glow of pelita lamps, talking about everything and nothing. It was in those moments that I truly felt the spirit of Hari Raya – the joy, the togetherness, and the hope for a better tomorrow.
Malaysia is one of the rare places in the world where diversity is truly celebrated. It is something we should fiercely protect and cherish. Festivals like Hari Raya remind us that while we may have different beliefs, languages, and traditions, at the heart of it all, we share the same humanity.
So, to my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Maaf Zahir dan Batin. If you need help finishing that extra plate of chicken rendang or satay, you know where to find me! I can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
