(From left) Chow and Lim joining a child in the metal can throwing game at the carnival. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Diverse crowd enjoys fun activities, food at Tanjong Raya celebration
THE Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities continued in full swing as hundreds gathered at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang, to celebrate the vibrant Tanjong Raya Carnival 2025.
Apart from over 30 food stalls, the event featured traditional games such as batu seremban, congkak, carrom, metal can throwing and a giant bubble- blowing station that drew visitors from all walks of life to join in the merriment.
Among them was 29-year-old school teacher Aina Roslan, who travelled from Kuala Lumpur with her parents and younger brother.
“We are glad to share cultures and the Aidilfitri festivities with locals of other races as well as foreign tourists at this event.
“The amazing food, traditional music and colourful lights make the month-long festival celebration a fun one,” she said.
Insurance agent Jeanee Wong, 28, and her friend Chin Jia Hui, 23, tried their hands at the ketupat-weaving workshop.
“It’s common for us as Malaysians to see the ketupat, but we’ve never actually tried making one. We learnt that it is pretty complicated.
Visitors playing congkak and other traditional games.
“This event has given us a better understanding of a key cultural festival,” said Wong.
For Australian tourist Thomas Nguyen, 34, the carnival turned out to be a delightful surprise during his stroll through George Town.
“I’m here on holiday with three of my friends,” said Nguyen, who is from Melbourne.
“We heard about the celebration from our hotel concierge and decided to check it out. We are so glad we did.
“The food, without a doubt, is our favourite, as these are all new flavours we’ve never had before.
“We have Muslim friends back home who have talked about Aidilfitri. This is our first time experiencing it and we gained a deeper appreciation for Malaysian culture,” he said.
Cultural dance performances held on a stage set up at the end of Jalan Padang Kota Lama added to the festive atmosphere.
Wong (second from right) and her friend Chin (centre) trying their hands at weaving ketupat.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the presence of many was meaningful and a reflection of the spirit of unity that was the core of the country.
“Aidilfitri is usually celebrated as a triumph after Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan,” he said in his opening speech.
“I am proud to see that Penangites still practise the tradition of returning to their hometowns and organising open houses during this time, which not only brings together family, friends and neighbours, but also fosters the spirit of unity among the local community.
“The activities enable us to recall and nourish the traditions that have long been the identity and way of life of our ancestors.”
Chow said Penang would continue to celebrate religious freedom and celebrations openly to reflect the spirit of inclusiveness and peace existing in society.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, whose office organised the event, said the presence of visitors, regardless of their racial, religious or cultural background, was evidence that the country’s spirit of unity was flourishing.
Children having a go at carrom among other traditional games at the carnival.
“This carnival is not just a celebration of Aidilfitri; it is an important medium to instil goodwill and promote Penang as a centre for arts, culture and heritage that is alive, dynamic and shared together.
“I hope the visitors can experience the festivity that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, thereby forming beautiful and meaningful memories,” she said.
Lim, who is Deputy Finance Minister, said Aidilfitri celebrations this year took place at a time when the world was struggling with global economic uncertainties.
“The United States has imposed new tariffs that have a direct impact on the international supply chain. This is a major challenge for the country, especially Penang, which is a major hub for semiconductor exports worth more than RM200bil a year.
“The Federal Government will continue to steer the country with a clear direction and work closely with Penang to ensure the state’s economy continues to grow and the benefits can be felt by the people,” she said.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan and Penang Muslim League president Datuk Najmudeen Kadir.
