Hari Raya

This week is the prelude to Hari Raya and as Ramadan comes to a close, everyone keenly awaits the announcement of the day when Hari Raya should fall, as the Muslim calender is based on a lunar cycle. The anticipation is often greater than the waiting; in KK (Kota Kinabalu) traffic will be a little heavier than usual as the festive mood sets in and householders throng the bazaars, shops, malls and supermarkets for the goodies they have saved up for to celebrate the day as an occaision to remember.

Officially, Hari Raya is celebrated over two (2) days, the first day begins with communal prayers and fellowship at mosques and suraus throughout Malaysia and in fact the world. The first day is often devoted to family reunions and gatherings. It is usually on the second day that we have what is colloquially known as an "Open House" where friends, friends of friends, and even acquaintances. Really in Sabah, there are no hard and fast rules when one may visit our Muslim friends and what's just been said is a rule of thumb. What is peculiarly unique to Sabah, is that non-Muslims more often than not, have Muslim relations; family gatherings at times like these reflect the cross cultural and religious diversity of the people - "only in Sabah does this happen" is what's been often said and observed.

Unofficially and traditionally Hari Raya visitations stretch beyond the official two days holiday and the customary visits takes place over the "month of Raya"

If you happen to be a visitor to Malaysia and especially if you are in Sabah during Hari Raya, it is possible to get an invitation to a home gathering and the hospitality accorded to you will leave an indelible impression. How do you get an invitation? Strike a conversation with the hotel staff, that'll be a good start and if they happen to be celebrating Hari Raya, chances are that in the course of conversation, you may get an invitation to visit them at their home - transportation will not a problem, it will all be arranged, you can bet on it, hospitality Sabah style is something to be experienced. Too often visitors only view Sabah from without and do not get a chance to experience it from within, Hari Raya maybe just be that opportune moment!