BY EDWINNIE EINSTEIN UNJI & SAMUEL KARUNIA KORNO
KUCHING: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is right around the corner and for those celebrating the festivity, nothing beats the feeling of being at home with one’s family and preparing delicacies together for the occasion.
Although Ramadan is still not over, such moments are deeply cherished and a few families were asked to share their experience from previous Raya besides their expectations for this year’s Raya.
Fieza Shikin, a 35 year-old housewife, said that preparations for Raya are memorable occasions for her and her husband, Dauz Iezara, aged 37, who were shopping for shawls.
“During Raya it is a must to have that ‘kamboh’ atmosphere with our families especially during cooking together because without that ‘kamboh’ atmosphere, Raya would not be complete.
“That rush and chaos create fun and moments to be cherished among families and loved ones,” she said.
Her husband added that Raya is usually the time to spend time with families and loved ones because it is not often to have the opportunity to meet up during Raya.
“Even though it is always hectic during Raya, always remember about those who have passed on and those who are closest to us,” he said.
Nur Hafizah, who is a 32-year-old technical support, stated that she and her husband Awang Razizie, aged 29, are excited for Raya but spending moderately due to the rising costs of goods during the Raya month.
“We are excited for this year’s Raya but the prices are rising day by day so we bought most of our Raya clothes a month earlier and try to keep our spending within the budget,” she said.
Hafizah further said that the atmosphere of celebrating Raya back in her hometown is incomparable to celebrating in town as they are able to be closer to their families and relatives during Raya.
Awang said this year’s Raya would be really memorable because this is their child’s first Raya too.
“We did not have the opportunity to travel back to Sematan to celebrate with our family last year so we are really looking forward for this year to be together with the rest of the family,” he said.
For 36-year-old nurse, Asna Amyra, the atmosphere of Raya for her is exciting yet unpredictable due to her work commitments and uncertain schedules.
“I am really looking forward to this year’s Raya but I need to wait for the latest work schedule to be out first. So if there are off days, then I’m excited but if there is none then I’ll have to be here,” she said.
Sales assistant Mariani Johan, aged 27, stated that the atmosphere during Raya is always hectic as everyone in the family are getting things ready for the celebration.
“Family members would be busy cleaning, cooking, and prepping for Raya and some would get ready to travel from Bintulu, Miri, and Sibu to celebrate here in Kuching back in our hometown while some would be celebrating with their spouses’ families.
“It is not Raya if the atmosphere is not ‘kamboh’ because it’s a festive time for everyone so it is always hectic and exciting moments for each and everyone of us during Raya,” she said.
She added that it is always important to spend time with the family, particularly with parents because “there is no certainty that we would have the opportunity to spend time together again.”
As the blessed month of Ramadan is almost over, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the Raya celebrations.
This year, the festivities fall on April 10.
