THE flicker of oil lamps signifies the arrival of Syawal and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the country.
In Brunei and among the Kedayan community in Sabah and Labuan, the tradition of lighting lamps for the festive season is called bercucul.
In Putatan, Sabah, the tradition was lit further with a contest involving the community.
Jointly organised by the Putatan MP’s office and Tanjung Keramat state constituency office, the event attracted 45 entries from seven villages.
Kampung Pituru won with a structure inspired by Masjid Nurul Iman in Taman Pantai Lok Kawi, Kinarut.
It was made from bamboo and lit by up to 300 oil lamps.
Resident Mazlan Maayud, 44, said the 9m by 4.5m structure took their group of six a week to create.
“It is not just decorative, we wanted to present something with meaning,” he said, adding that it was a tribute to the mosque that caught fire in 2016.
He called it a shining example of the gotong-royong spirit.
“The joy is shared by the whole team.
“One village, one team, working together.
“It is truly festive and has strengthened our bond,” he told Bernama.
Another resident, Ngarimon Sakip, 61, hoped the competition could preserve the bercucul tradition for the younger generation.
Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya was delighted by the enthusiastic response to the competition.
“It does not just brighten up Aidilfitri, but strengthens the spirit of collaboration among residents,” he said.
