Nur Qamarina Syafira Syaiful (left) serving homemade ‘kek lapis’ as her family celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri at their home in Santubong, near Kuching. The colourful and richly flavoured slices of cake are a must-have treat for the celebration in Sarawak.
FOR Muslims in Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a heartfelt homecoming — a time when love, laughter and tradition take centre stage.
The sighting of the moon marking the arrival of Syawal heralds a time for loved ones, regardless of distance or busy schedules, to reunite and celebrate.
Vibrant hues of traditional wear further enhance the merriment of this eagerly awaited celebration.
Warmth and shared stories fill homes as plates laden with traditional delicacies and biscuits are passed around, accompanied by the joyful sound of children’s laughter echoing through the gatherings.
(From left) Nick Yap, Natalya Erika, Yap Chin Yee, Wan Jamilah Wan Shaiful Bahri and Noor Sa’adah Mohd Noordin exchanging festive greetings. Aidilfitri open houses can be a melting pot of multiculturalism and great food such as ‘lemang’, ‘rendang’ and satay.
Greetings and handshakes are exchanged, symbolising a pledge to forgive and forget past mistakes.
Children eagerly anticipate receiving duit raya, a traditional monetary gift from the adults.
The celebration extends beyond families as neighbours and friends, regardless of race and religion, come together during open houses where tables overflow with traditional dishes like rendang, lemang and kuih.
Aidilfitri is a season that marks the beginning of renewed bonds and lasting unity.
More photos
Nurul Natasya Yahya (right) taking a wefie with her friends, all decked out in traditional festive clothing, during an event in Kuala Lumpur. With her are (from left) Diane Jessica Leong, Nur Aliya Hazirah Kamarul, Anis Nurdiana Mahamad Rusli and Chan Yik Sing.
Best friends (from left) Amirah Khalidah, 26, Surifa Wan Ali, 23, Nur Bahirah Lokman, 25, and Intan Aliah, 21, enjoying festive biscuits during an Aidilfitri outing at a park in Kuala Lumpur.
Neighbours and friends (front row, from left) Farrel Zafran, eight, Fathiahana Arissa, 10, Dhia Aqila, eight, (back row, from left) Muhamad Mursyid, 19, and Qistina Aisyah, 16, celebrating at a park in Shah Alam. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI, ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE, MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI, IZZRAFIQ ALIAS, RAJA FAISAL HISHAN and AZMAN GHANI/The Star
(From left) Nur Niliyyah Sofia Mohammad Suhaimi, seven, Muhammad Niyaz Mohammad Suhaimi, four, and Khadeeja Saiful Nizam, seven, bonding over biscuits and ‘duit raya’ during Aidilfitri celebrations at their grandparents’ home in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
