IPOH: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is almost here and Muslims are eagerly anticipating the festivities.
Syed Azamuddin Rizal Syed Rasyidi Rizal can’t wait for this year’s celebration.
“I’ll be heading back to my grandparents’ home in Kota Baru. All my cousins from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah will be coming back too, so it will be a lively few days!” said the 19-year-old shop assistant.
He said he has yet to buy his baju Raya as he is still waiting for his salary, and hopes to buy Raya cookies for his family too.
As for 62-year-old Abdul Hussain Wahab, he is excited to meet his grandchildren, children and their spouses.
“They will be travelling from various locations, including Kuala Lumpur and Johor. It’s been some time since I met them” said the retiree, who has three children and eight grandchildren.
Abdul Hussain’s wife will make rendang on the first day of Hari Raya.
“We have cleaned the house and are ready for the celebrations. I have also bought some of my children’s favourite delicacies like kuih bahulu,” he added.
Sales assistant Mohd Alif Aiman Mohd Zamri, 26, plans to make the most of his short break for Hari Raya.
“I only have one day off, so I’ll be heading back to my kampung in Kedah. I’ve set aside RM200 for duit raya and look forward to spending time with my relatives.
“It will be a good opportunity to bond with my family and celebrate the end of Ramadan together,” he added. 
Fatin Ahmad Zubir, 29, who also works as a shop assistant, said she will have to work during the festive period.
“Last year my father, who lives with me, was unwell and I was also working, so I could not return to my grandparents’ home in Kuala Kangsar and Teluk Intan,” she said.
Fatin said Hari Raya has not been the same since her mother passed away 10 years ago.
“I miss my childhood days when my mother was still around. Things have changed,” she lamented.
This year, Fatin said she has made moderate preparations to celebrate with her father and siblings.
