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Guide to Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Singapore

To mark the end of the fasting month, Muslims in Singapore gear up for the ultimate celebration – Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Cam Khalid
Written by
Cam Khalid
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The Islamic holy month of Ramadan sees Muslims around the world (except the sick, elderly, pregnant or menstruating) abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. These are all done while practising charitable deeds and acts of compassion as fasting doubles as a reminder of the sufferings faced by the less fortunate. 

To mark the end of the fasting month, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore on April 22. Besides a massive feast (home-cooked or delivered), the religious holiday is a time for forgiveness and making amends. 

RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Singapore with halal-certified buffets and local Muslim-friendly brands in Singapore

Traditions

Greetings
Photograph: Wisma Geylang Serai

Greetings

In Malay

Contrary to popular belief, Eid al-Fitr is not the start of a Muslim new year. It falls on the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Instead of wishing a happy new year, greet your fellow Malay-Muslim friend with “Selamat Hari Raya” which translates to “have a happy celebration.” Follow this greeting with “maaf zahir dan batin” which loosely means “forgive me for all my wrongdoings” as it’s also an auspicious day to seek forgiveness.

In Arabic

Alternatively, you can greet in Arabic. Don’t get lost in translation – a simple “Eid Mubarak” will do. It’s a common term used by both Arab Christians and Arab Muslims as a way to say “happy holiday.” Muslims all over the world also use it for Eid al-Adha besides Eid al-Fitr. A close translation of the greeting would be 'celebration' (Eid) and 'blessings' (Mubarak).

Visit the mosque
Photograph: Siti Rahmanah Mat Daud/Unsplash

Visit the mosque

The day starts with an early morning prayer at the mosque. Mosques all over the city are filled with worshippers from various walks of life. Some even spill out into the streets, and with everyone praying in one direction in synchrony, it’s really an awe-inspiring sight to see.

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Seek forgiveness
Photograph: Shutterstock

Seek forgiveness

While houses are kecoh ('noisy' in Malay) again this year, as families and friends can gather to feast, celebrate and ask for forgiveness. This emotional affair usually sees the younger person giving salam (a type of handshake where one kisses the back of the hand) while asking the elder for forgiveness for all his or her wrongdoings. You can also do so with other relatives and friends – sans kissing the back of the hand.

Matching outfits
Photograph: Adrianna Yariqa

Matching outfits

You'll see pockets of families rocking the traditional Malay outfits in the same colour again this Hari Raya. It’s a cultural tradition observed by families to symbolise unity. Plus, it doesn't hurt to get all dressed up in matching outfits for that annual family photo. From minimalist to frou-frou, outfits range from traditional silk baju kurung to modern lace kebaya. These are usually paired with a songket, a luxe fabric made from silk or cotton. Otherwise, hand-dyed batik is preferred. Check out the local Muslim-friendly brands we've bookmarked for our Hari Raya threads.

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Home decorations
Photograph: Shutterstock

Home decorations

What comes after a major spring cleaning? Decorating meticulously. Humble abodes are elevated with bright green home accessories, as well as crescent moons and star motifs as these elements are highly associated with Islam. Some homes keep things extra lit with colourful fairy lights hung by the windows and balconies. Can you feel the festivities in the air?

Green packets

Green packets

Here’s the best bit: getting ‘em moolah. Similar to the Chinese hong baos (red packets), green packets filled with cash are given to tots, tykes and teens by working adults. But if your looks take a couple of years off your age, then consider yourself lucky. Alternatively, work that charm if you’re really determined to score some green packets (it works, sometimes). A practise that has caught on since the pandemic – sending Hari Raya dollars via a bank transfer.

Food

Hearty meals
Photograph: Supplied

Hearty meals

Without a doubt, the star of the show is the ketupat, a diamond-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in a woven coconut leaf. It’s also the main symbol of many Hari Raya decorations in Singapore. A work of art, the ketupat is peeled open once it's cooked and is best served with the spicy beef rendang or the satay peanut sauce. You can also have it soaked in the rich sayur lodeh (vegetables in coconut milk) and topped with serunding (spicy fried coconut flakes) and sambal goreng pengantin (a spicy meat stir fry) for the extra kick. If you're not planning to cook, eat out at these halal-certified hotel buffets, visit these Muslim-friendly restaurants and cafés, or order from these halal restaurants instead.

Sweet treats

Sweet treats

Got a sweet tooth? Then you won’t be able to resist the dessert spread. Indulge in traditional kuehs such as the ondeh-ondeh, a chewy green ball with liquid palm sugar in the middle that explodes in your mouth upon every bite. Others include the peanut-flavoured kueh makmur, the layered kueh lapis, and the all-time favourite: pineapple tarts. If you see something new on the table, be adventurous and take a bite. It might be the next moreish treat you can’t get enough of. While you're kueh buying, be sure to support local home-bakers and their sweet treats.

Get Hari Raya ready

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