Hari Raya 2012
Hari Raya, a Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan. It is usually known as Eid-ul-Fitr, and the name Hari Raya is used in Malaysia and Singapore. Although it is the same celebration, it has its particularities that are different from one country to the other. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days.
The History of Hari Raya
This holiday was introduced by Prophet Muhammad, when he arrived at Madinah. The believers have to wake up really early in the morning, and to prepare themselves for the big day. This means that they have to wear the best clothes, to use the best perfume, and to go to the mosque for the Morning Prayer. Moreover, it is also important to give charity to the poor. Each Muslim has to do so, depending on the possibilities.
After the ceremony, the festivities for Hari Raya begin. People visit their friends and relatives, greeting themselves with special salutes. Depending on the country, there is also the custom to give money and other gifts to the people you visit. Especially the children of the respective families must receive gifts, under the forms of sweets and money.
Even if this is not a custom in the small villages, in the majority of Islamic cities, a banquet is held to celebrate the the end of Ramadan. For the countries with a predominant Islamic population, the public institutions are closed for this day. Moreover, in the cities with a large number of tourists special nights and events are organized.
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Traditions and Habits
- There are different traditions for Hari Raya, such as Henna applying. Especially the girls like to do so, but in some parts of Indonesia, the men also wear those fake tattoos. It is important for the tattoos to be made by professionals, and each one of them has its significations.
- Women also like to wear traditional clothing, made especially for this holiday. As there are some people that don’t afford special clothing especially for this day, at least they have to wear new clothes.
- In fact, for this holiday, the Muslims have to bring the best out of themselves, and to look as good as possible.
The Hari Raya 2012 is popular for tourists, as they can see the breathtaking firecrackers and fireworks that are made especially for this day. As a tourist, you will be greeted with the special foods prepared especially for this event, and with a good place to see the parade.
It is a traditional Muslim holiday, but it is the adapted version to the Asian world. In other words, it is the rejoicing of the ending of Ramadan, with the difference that it is celebrated in an Asian style. This is why this holiday is so fascinating for the tourists and one of the reasons why the number of tourists coming to the countries hosting this event practically doubles for the respective period.
