KUCHING: Most shopping malls and shophouses in Kuching City are experiencing brisk business and even major roads are jam packed with traffic, largely due to the Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya festivals celebrated just a few days apart.
The popular India Street Pedestrian Mall was packed with shoppers as early as 11am yesterday.
Many Muslim families who will be celebrating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri tomorrow (June 5) were seen buying all sorts of items to usher in the celebration.
Some were busy looking for ready-made clothes such as baju kurung, baju Melayu, songkok, kain songket and new pairs of shoes.
Meanwhile, some were seen buying traditional cakes such as kek lapis (layered cake), cookies, and other goodies.
They also bought cooking ingredients to prepare delicacies to be served during the Hari Raya Open House such as ketupat (rice packed in diamond shaped palm leaves), lemang, rendang, and other traditional food.
Besides that, some were also seen searching for colourful light bulbs to decorate their houses.
A Hari Raya celebration will not be complete without all these items, and most important is the gathering of family members from far and near.
However, those not celebrating the two festivities also took the opportunity to shop for items on sale or at discount.
Today is the last day of the Gawai Raya Bazaar at India Street where shoppers can have the chance for last minute shopping.
Meanwhile, those celebrating Hari Raya tomorrow, especially the ones travelling back to their villages, are reminded to be alert and stay safe on the road.
