Festive glow: Sarawak's 'bertuntong' tradition revived ahead of Hari Raya

A Kampung Nombor resident in Kuching lights an oil lamp, rekindling the 'bertuntong' festive tradition. Photo: Bernama

The tradition of "bertuntong" - lighting oil lamps or lanterns to decorate homes before Hari Raya Aidilfitri - which takes place on March 31 - was once a key practice among the Malay community in Sarawak. However, modernisation has gradually diminished this custom.

To help preserve this heritage, the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) recently held a three-night bertuntong competition.