Honouring the departed: Mohamad Azmir and his family performing prayer rites at the graves of loved ones at the Jalan Perak Muslim cemetery in George Town on the first day of Hari Raya. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For many people, family reunions are even more meaningful during festive occasions.
This Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the flat of cleaning contractor Mohd Nazre Ahmad in Taman Free School here is filled with squeals and laughter as siblings and family members gather to celebrate the arrival of Syawal with their 67-year-old mother Latiffah Hamzah.
“My parents have been living here since the 1980s, and we grew up in this unit.
“Although all of us are now married and have moved out, this is still our home and where we belong.
“No matter how busy we are, returning here during festivals is a must,” said Mohd Nazre, 47, when met on Saturday.
All 15 members of the family were dressed in light blue during the reunion as a show of unity and togetherness.
“Some of us returned earlier to help with tidying the house and stocking up on food and necessities.
“As my mother’s birthday falls during Hari Raya this year, it will be a double celebration for us,” he added.
Earlier, Mohd Nazre, his siblings and their families also visited the graves of their loved ones at the Jalan Perak Muslim Cemetery.
Council enforcement officer Mohamad Azmir Md Ismail, 33, brought his family, including three daughters aged three to 10, to the cemetery next to the Masjid Hashim Yahaya.
“We have had over 10 family members buried here since the early 1970s, including my grandfather and uncles.
“Since childhood, I’ve been coming here every Hari Raya to recite a prayer, then clean and lay flowers on their graves.
“I hope this will be a tradition that will be followed by my children and future generations,” he said.
