THERE is just something in the air when it comes to the final days leading up to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
While it is saddening that the holy month of Ramadan is bidding Muslims farewell until the next year, there is an unmistakable sense of excitement and anticipation that fills the atmosphere as Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches.
It is a time when families come together, communities unite and the spirit of generosity and forgiveness pervades every interaction.
For many, the days leading up to Hari Raya are a flurry of activity as preparations are made to welcome the festivity in style.
Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with colourful lights and intricate floral arrangements.
New clothes are bought or tailored, and special dishes are prepared for the celebratory feasts that await.
Shopping centres and markets bustle with activity as people flock to buy gifts, food items and new outfits for themselves and their loved ones.
The atmosphere is electric with the air filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter and the occasional bargaining over prices.
What I love most about the days leading up to Hari Raya is how family members automatically know their designated tasks around the house.
There is an unspoken understanding and cooperation that makes the preparations for the celebration feel like a collective effort which strengthens the bonds between family members.
In my household, my mother takes charge of the kitchen, meticulously planning and preparing the elaborate feast that will be served on the day of Eid.
Meanwhile, my father oversees the cleaning of the house, ensuring that every corner is spotless and adorned with festive decorations.
He takes pride in making our home look welcoming and festive, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests who will visit us during the celebrations.
My sister and I have our own tasks to fulfill as well.
Whether it is helping with the cleaning, running errands to buy last-minute supplies, or assisting in the kitchen, we all pitch in to lighten the workload and make sure everything runs smoothly.
What makes this year’s preparation different is the additional of a new member in our household namely my husband who assists all around.
His presence brings a new energy and perspective to our preparations, adding to the sense of excitement and anticipation that fills our home.
My husband eagerly jumps in to help with whatever tasks need to be done, whether it is setting up decorations, running errands or lending a hand in the kitchen alongside my mother.
His willingness to pitch in and contribute to the festivities strengthens the bonds between us as a family and reinforces the spirit of unity and cooperation that Hari Raya embodies.
As we work together to prepare for the celebration, we also take time to reflect on the significance of Hari Raya and the blessings we have received throughout the month of Ramadan.
We offer prayers of gratitude for the abundance in our lives and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings or mistakes.
It is a time of spiritual renewal and introspection, as we strive to deepen our connection with Allah and strengthen our faith.
But amidst the busyness of preparations, there are also moments of joy and laughter as we share stories, reminisce about past celebrations and make plans for the upcoming festivities.
We take breaks to enjoy homemade snacks and refreshing drinks, savoring the simple pleasures of spending time together as a family.
One of the highlights of our preparations is the tradition of making homemade Hari Raya cookies and sweets.
My husband joins in eagerly, rolling out dough, shaping cookies and decorating them with colourful icing and sprinkles.
It is a fun and delicious activity that brings us closer together and fills our home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats.
As the days pass and Hari Raya draws nearer, the excitement in our household reaches a fever pitch.
We eagerly count down the days until we can gather with our loved ones, exchange greetings of “Selamat Hari Raya,” and enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
And when the day finally arrives, our home will be filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter and the aroma of delicious food as we welcome guests and celebrate the joyous occasion.
But amidst the celebrations, we also take time to remember those less fortunate than us and to extend a helping hand to those in need. We donate to charity, offer prayers for those facing hardship, and strive to embody the spirit of generosity and compassion that defines Hari Raya.
As the sun sets on Eid al-Fitr, signaling the end of the celebrations, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the blessings we have received and the love we share as a family.
And as we bid farewell to another year of Ramadan and look forward to the year ahead, we do so with renewed faith, hope and unity.
In the end, it is not the elaborate decorations or the sumptuous feasts that make Hari Raya special, but the love, togetherness, and sense of community that we share with our family, friends and neighbours.
