From Indonesia to Turkey: Unique Tradition of Eid al-Fitr
- U-Report
VIVA – Eid al–Fitr is an important celebration for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. The festive aura felt throughout the holy month of Ramadan attains top excitement level on the beginning day until the end of Eid al-Fitr.
Muslims put on their finest clothing. Dressing differs all around the world and, depending on likeness, what Muslims wear on Eid al–Fitr can differ in color, shape, and style.
Celebrate Eid al-Fitr also identically with exchange gifts, visit families, and enjoy many delicious foods. Besides the usual celebrations, every country has a unique Eid tradition.
Here are some countries with unique Eid al-Fitr tradition:
1. Indonesia
Cahaya Masjid Istiqlal usai renovasi besar.
- VIVA/Dusep Malik
Indonesia has a unique tradition during Eid al-Fitr. Usually, Eid al-Fitr in this country is celebrated a few days away.
Many Indonesian people make traditional cakes such as Lapis Legit, Nastar Cake, Snow Princess Cake, and etc. Don’t forget about the main course when Eid al-Fitr, such as ketupat and chicken opor. People also bang drums, light up firecrackers, and carry torches in the streets on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.
Shopping centers are also crowded with people buying Eid clothes.
Some cities in Indonesia shake hands or are known as Minal Aidzin to neighbors and cousins. This is done after they do the Eid prayer.
2. Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- unsplash,com
Malaysians celebrate this truly joyous occasion by traveling to their hometowns on the day before Eid.
Of course, the day before the festival would be the busiest time for them as they would be involved in decorating their homes with pelita (oil lamps) and preparing traditional dishes. Ketupat, Kuih Raya, lemang, rending, etc. are popular dishes.
The ‘open houses’ are a long-standing tradition of Malaysia. The houses are open to everybody (irrespective of their status and religion) to enjoy delicious food and a good time.
3. Singapore
Ilustrasi Singapore.
In Singapore, one of the highlights of the Eid al–Fitr celebrations is the explosion of colors lighting up the Geylang Serai area. One of Singapore’s oldest Malay settlements, Geylang Serai has been the center of Eid al–Fitr celebrations for Muslims living in Singapore. A spectacular display of lights illuminates the streets of Geylang Serai each year. We’ve heard these displays can feature over 50 different types of light and visual installations, all depicting a kaleidoscope of lively color.
Geylang Serai is also home to the annual Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. Food is definitely the center of attraction at the bazaar, which features over a hundred food vendors that serve up gloriously divine traditional Malay foods.
4. Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Tower Arab Saudi
- art-facts.com
On Eid al-Fitr, Saudis share joy through a number of festive events and recreational activities. The country is extravagantly decorated as a part of Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Families and friends usually get together for special Eid food and before it is being served, kids of the family usually stand in front of every adult member of the family who gives Riyals (Saudi currency) to the kids.
There is one more unique tradition about Eid in Saudi Arabia – the locals leave huge quantities of rice and other stuff anonymously at the gate of the less fortunate.
5. UAE
Gedung tertinggi Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
- Pixabay/monicawl999/smarko
Emiratis celebrate with Ouzi, a significant local dish that is prepared exclusively for the festivities. It is a slow-cooked dish where succulent goat meat is mixed with rice and garnished with fried pine nuts. Also, the country organizes incredible cultural events and shows like magic tricks, decorated themed parks, dance shows, etc. The entire UAE ushers in new festivities with hundreds of events during the festive period.
6. New Zealand
Auckland New Zealand
- BusinessInsider
Eid al–Fitr festivities in Auckland begin with the usual rituals of morning prayers and cleansing. After that, Eden Park opens its doors to the bi–annual Eid Day, a fun–filled event filled with activities for everyone.
The festival at Eden Park features all sorts of carnival fun including mechanical bulls, human foosball, and a variety of food vendors selling delectable delights from around the region.
While Eid Day is a great time for families and friends to celebrate the occasion together, it also serves as an important event for visitors from all walks of life to learn and embrace the Muslim community during this special occasion.
7. Turkey
Altinkum, Turkey
- www.meseconstruction.com
In Turkey, Eid Al Fitr is also known as Seker Bayram which means the Sugar Feast. The country has a tradition of referring to all nationally celebrated festivals as “bayram”. The revels of Eid Bayram are mixed with nationwide traditions. Turkish usually address one another with “Bayraminiz mübarek olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”)or “Bayraminiz kutlu olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”).
Mutlu Bayramlar (“Happy Bayram”) is also another statement for rejoicing in the festivities. Following the prayers and family gatherings, children usually receive a range of Turkish delights. The celebrations end with people meeting, greeting, and celebrating the joyous occasion with their near and dear ones.
