Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa is a very important festival that is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is often mistaken for the Muslim New Year, but it is not. It is a festival that marks the end of one month of fasting, which is known as the Ramadan. The Ramadan is a period where Muslims fast for a month from dawn til sunset. During the Ramadan, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink and smoke from dawn til sunset. They also should avoid lying, breaking promises and cheating. They are supposed to stay good and avoid all evil deeds during this period. The words ‘Hari Raya’ means 'day of celebration.' The primary purpose of fasting during the Ramadan is to remind all Muslims of self-control and submitting to Allah, the holy one.

In Singapore, Hari Raya preparations can be seen at least one month before the Hari Raya Puasa festival. Geylang Serai, the place that is where the Muslims will gather, and it is always filled with large crowds during the Ramadan. There will be many bazaars selling many festive items and the place will be lit up with glittering ans sparking lights. During the period, we can see many decorations in green, the most dominant colour, which is often combined with yellow or gold.




It is after the Ramadan when the Muslims would celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. On the morning of the festival, the Muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. The men are usually dressed in Baju Melayu, while the females in Baju Kurung. They will offer their thanks to God and also ask for forgiveness from their elders. It is an important custom that is followed by the Muslims. After which, they will visit their friends and relatives to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. The Muslims' homes will be filled with a wide variety of delicious spicy dishes. Some of the popular dishes are ketupat, lontong, nasi padang and beef rendang. The Muslims will also give “green packets” with money inside to the children. The packets are usually green in colour and children often look forward to getting these “green packets”.


In conclusion, Hari Raya Puasa is a delightful festival for the Muslims. It is a festival of renewal and purification, and self control by abstaining themselves from the basic needs from dawn til sunset.