Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major Islamic festival celebrated in Singapore and around the world to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Singapore, this public holiday holds profound cultural and religious significance for the Malay-Muslim community, which forms about 13% of the country's population. The holiday's origins date back to the 7th century CE, when it was established by the Prophet Muhammad as a day of thanksgiving after a month of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and charity. Over centuries, as Islam spread through the Malay Archipelago, the celebration evolved, blending Islamic traditions with local Malay customs. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa has been observed since the early days of the island's settlement, gaining official recognition as a public holiday in the colonial era and continuing as a cornerstone of multiracial harmony today.

Traditions for Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore are rich with communal and familial activities. The day typically begins with a special morning prayer at the mosque, followed by visits to the graves of loved ones to pay respects. Families then engage in 'open house' gatherings, where they host relatives, friends, and even neighbors of all races, serving traditional festive dishes such as ketupat (glutinous rice cakes), rendang (spicy meat stew), lemang (bamboo-cooked glutinous rice), and an array of cookies and cakes. Children receive 'duit raya' (green packets containing money) as a gesture of blessing. The atmosphere is filled with the spirit of forgiveness, as people seek and grant 'maaf zahir dan batin' (forgiveness from body and soul). The standard greeting exchanged is 'Selamat Hari Raya' (Happy Eid) or 'Maaf Zahir dan Batin' (I seek forgiveness from you). Decorations like ketupat-shaped ornaments and colorful lights adorn homes and public spaces, including Geylang Serai, the Malay cultural hub in Singapore, which hosts a vibrant bazaar leading up to the holiday.