102672 Ramadan is a month-long fasting period when Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn till sunset.
102673 They are also expected to refrain from smoking, lying, breaking of promises and cheating.
102674 The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all Muslims of self-control and submitting to Allah, the holy one.
102675 You can experience the Hari Raya atmosphere in Singapore at Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai, be it the “breaking of fast “ experience at the historical Sultan Mosque or the festivities at Geylang Serai, which will be lined with street bazaars under twinkling lights and decorations.
102676 Malay families will often be decked out in their best traditional outfits to mark the special occasion.
102677 New curtains and clothes are also purchased or sewn for the family.
102678 The men usually wear Baju Melayu (loose shirt with trousers) with kain samping (short sarong made of rich material), while the Baju Kurung (tunic top) is the quintessential attire for Malay women.
102679 Some families will renovate or decorate the facades of their homes with glittering lights as well.
102680 On the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, families would wear their new clothes, and the men of the household will visit the mosque for prayers.
102681 They offer their thanks to God and seek for forgiveness from their elders.
102682 Muslims also give “duit raya” (money packets) to children and old folks when they visit the homes of relatives and friends.
102683 At the end of the day, Muslims break their fast (buka puasa) with a communal meal at home or at the mosque.
102684 This meal usually consists of Malay dishes such as rending (braised meat), ketupat (rice cake), sambal goreng (fried chilli paste with meat, prawns and long beans) and serunding (shredded coconut fried with spices), or bubur (congee) from the mosque, which has an aromatic flavour.
102685 It is also a tradition for households to bake their own cookies, chips and savoury snacks for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a week before Hari Raya.