KUCHING: Sarawak’s rich Hari Raya traditions took centre stage here Friday night (Feb 21) as TVS officially launched its grand festive production, Pesta Raya Inspirasi Duniamu.
According to the producer of Pesta Raya Inspirasi Duniamu, Fattah Bolh, the programme is a heartfelt tribute to the state’s fading festive traditions.
“Raya in Sarawak has its own charm. We want to relive that nostalgia and remind people, especially the younger generation, of how special our celebrations truly are,” he said.
“It’s about the spirit of togetherness, the unity within families and communities. We hope this production will spark more appreciation for our heritage.”
Among the highlights of the programme is the showcasing of the tradition of belulut, where Sarawakians wear different sets of baju raya throughout the month-long celebration, unlike in Peninsular Malaysia where such outfits are typically worn only on the first day.
“Growing up, we looked forward to changing into different sets of beautiful attire every day of Raya. It’s something uniquely Sarawakian and part of our culture. Through this programme, we want to ensure that younger generations know and continue this tradition,” said Fattah.
Another significant feature is the kek palak meja, a traditional cake historically used as a courtship gesture, where young women would showcase their baking skills, and suitors would place money beneath the trays as a silent sign of admiration.
“Our ancestors had creative ways of expressing love and admiration. Kek palak meja was not just a sweet treat but a meaningful gesture in our culture. Today, it might seem like a forgotten tradition, but it still holds sentimental value,” Fattah remarked.
The production also shed light on bertuntong, a lesser-known competition among villagers to decorate their homes with elaborate Raya-themed lighting and decor.
“People take pride in decorating their homes during Raya, and bertuntong is a healthy competition that adds more excitement to the celebration. It’s not just about who has the best decorations but about bringing the community together in a festive spirit,” said Fattah.
“Maybe nowadays, trendy music has a more modern fusion sound, but for this year’s Raya MV, we want to include contemporary music while still maintaining traditional elements,” he further said.
The Nostalgia Raya Music Video will feature a blend of contemporary and traditional music, with Sarawak-born singer Bob Yusof lending his vocals to the project.
“The production design is truly remarkable, and the energy is incredible. The audience’s enthusiasm, especially with so many attending in colourful Raya outfits, made the experience even more special,” said Siti Zawawi, assistant producer of Pesta Raya Inspirasi Duniamu.
“We put in a lot of effort to ensure authenticity in our set designs and performances.”
Hosted by Ghazali Zawawi, Pesta Raya Inspirasi Duniamu also serves as a platform to highlight inspiring stories of local talents and individuals who have overcome challenges on their paths to success.
“This time around, we have been given the opportunity by TVS management to hold Pesta Raya on a larger scale. Raya is about togetherness, and we want to celebrate it not just within Sarawak but with our friends from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah as well,” Ghazali said.
“We hope that through this show, people will see how diverse and vibrant Sarawak’s culture truly is.”
The show also provided young talents with an opportunity to work alongside industry veterans, including actress and TV host Raja Azura.
“We have learned so much from the experienced artists, especially Raja Azura. The objective of TVS management has been achieved, not just in organising the event but also in providing us with the opportunity to gain insights from the entertainers,” he said.
“This year, Pesta Raya TVS will run from morning till night, unlike previous editions that were only aired during specific time slots. Through this platform, we aim to showcase the warmth and hospitality of Sarawak’s people to the rest of Malaysia,” Ghazali added.
The Pesta Raya Inspirasi Duniamu programme will start on the first day of raya on TVS and will feature a lineup of Malaysian artists, including Aisha Retno, Rita Rudaini, Baby Shima, Sharifah Shahora, Raja Azura, Naim Daniel, and Wani Kayrie.
