Muslims around the world celebrate two grand festivities. Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, also known as Aidiladha or Eid Al-Adha. Hari Raya means ‘celebration day’ in Malay and is a day of rejoicing.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on the 22nd of April, whereas Hari Raya Haji falls on the 29th of June in Malaysia. If you are celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, here are the 10 best things to do during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji in 2023.
How is Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji celebrated?
On the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslim men perform prayers at the mosque while children ask for forgiveness from their parents. They will also be given ‘Duit Raya’ or gifts of money in small green packets. On Hari Raya Haji, the faithful dress in their finest clothes and congregate in mosques to listen to sermons and offer their prayers.
Are Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji The Same?
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan and a whole month of fasting and is celebrated on a grander scale with new clothes, cookies and delicacies. Hari Raya Haji, on the other hand, is a quieter affair celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices made by the prophet, and it also signifies the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
What is the ritual performed on Hari Raya Haji?
During Hari Raya Haji, the most important ritual observed is ‘korban’ (sacrifice). Worshippers contribute live sheep, lambs, goats and cows, slaughtered by a quick slit to the jugular as prayers are recited. This act reminds worshippers of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to offer up even his flesh and blood to God. The animal is then cleaned, and the meat is carved up and distributed to worshippers and the needy.
10 Best Things To Do During Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji 2023
Planning Your Hari Raya Aidilfitri And Hari Raya Haji Holidays For 2023:
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Aidilfitri:
1. Visit Ramadan Bazaars For Local Delicacies
Ramadan bazaars are usually open during fasting when Muslims buy food to break the fast. These Ramadan bazaars are extremely popular with the locals and sell various delicious yet inexpensive food. It is an attraction you must experience before the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Here are the 5 best Ramadan bazaars you will most definitely enjoy.
2. Spruce Up Your Home With Raya Decorations
Those preparing for the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri would be busy getting their homes cleaned and the decorations ready. Hari Raya decorations such as Ketupat LED decoration lights and wooden wall decorations would create a bright and uplifting atmosphere for your home and make your guests feel the festive spirit of Raya. Here are the 10 best Hari Raya Decorations in Malaysia to help decorate your homes.
3. Wear The Best Raya Outfits And Accessories
Look your best for Raya and shop for new Raya clothes early to get the best prices for clothing, bags, heels, shawls, earrings, sampin, and other men’s clothes. Also, check out these 10 best online boutiques for Raya outfits in Malaysia. Brands such as Anaabu offer an unorthodox way of visuals, and their clothing designs involve a more minimalistic approach. PrimaValet, on the other hand, offers both conventional and modern designs on Raya clothing, such as the baju kurung and baju Melayu.
4. Dance To Hari Raya Tunes To Bring On The Festive Vibes
Enjoy the upbeat tunes of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and have fun dancing and singing along to them. This would encourage social bonding, and at the same time, you would be sharing joy and laughter with family and friends. You can also lounge and chat as the music plays while you enjoy these 8 best Raya snacks in Malaysia, such as salted egg tapioca and caramelized banana.
5. Enjoy Making Kuih Raya With Family And Friends
Have fun making kuih Raya with your own hands with family and friends, and bake the most delicious honey cornflakes cookies and pineapple tarts that taste simply heavenly. Baking can be a therapeutic activity and help build teamwork and improve relationship bonds, as much coordination is often required. Here are 30 easy and delicious kuih Raya recipes to help you bake fantastic festive treats.
6. Admire Hari Raya Decorations At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Stay at one of these 8 best luxury staycations in Klang Valley and head over to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to marvel at their beautiful yearly Raya decorations. The mall has different decorations each year, and there are always plenty of festive decorations, lights, and floral arrangements, providing visitors an excellent backdrop for an Instagrammable photograph. While in Kuala Lumpur, add these 9 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur to your trip itinerary.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 168, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2118 8833
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PavilionKL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavilionkualalumpur/
View websiteHari Raya Haji:
7. Perform Hari Raya Haji Prayers At Tengku Ampuan Afzan Mosque
The Tengku Ampuan Afzan Mosque is the only Mosque in Bandar Indera Mahkota townships in Kuantan, Pahang. This Mosque was named after the late Tengku Ampuan Afzan, the first consort of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang. On Hari Raya Haji, prayers will be led by the Chief Imam of the Mosque, and the Kuantan Kadi will read the sermon. If you have extra time to spare while in Pahang, check out these 8 best things to do in Raub Pahang.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Lorong Indera Mahkota 1/10, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone No: 016-920 4733
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastaaf.im
View website8. Participate in The Distribution Of Meat To The Needy
Hari Raya Haji commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) faith and trust in God. On this day, Muslims around the world commemorate Hari Raya Haji by sacrificing four-legged animals such as goats, lambs, cows, bulls, and camels. These sacrificial rites are carried out at mosques. They will then distribute the meat to those in the community who are poor and in need.
9. Admire The Architecture Of The Iconic Crystal Mosque
Stay in one of these 8 best staycations in Terengganu and visit the picturesque Crystal Mosque, a grand structure made of steel, glass, and crystal. Its construction was between 2006 and 2008, and the mosque could accommodate over 1,500 worshipers. You will enjoy the surroundings as it is vast and peaceful. Remember to check out these 10 best things to do in Terengganu.
Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Pulau Wan Man, Losong Panglima P’erang, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Phone No: 09-627 8888
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masjidkristalofficial
View website10. Gift Homemade Treats To Your Loved Ones
Nothing is better than making your own treats and gifting them to your loved ones. Sweet treats such as kuih dadar, a soft crepe with crunchy, sweet coconut filling; savoury treats such as curry puffs and roti jala would be a delight to enjoy. Here are 5 delicious Hari Raya Haji Snack Recipes to help you bake delicious goodies to impress your guests.
Grab Your Complimentary Lazada Voucher 【Here】
Tons of Shopee Cashback Deals 【Here】
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
