As the biggest Muslim festival in the Islamic calendar Eid celebrations in Singapore hit fever pitch after the fasting month of Ramadan. Known as Hari Raya Puasa or as Hari Raya Aidilfitri this hallowed day falls on the first Syawal day on the 10th month of the Islamic calendar known as Hijrah. As a major Islamic holiday Muslims across the Lion City gear up to mark this auspicious festival with unmatched vigour, especially since it follows the fasting month of Ramadan when Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and merrymaking for 30 days. The date of Hari Raya Puasa varies annually as the lunar calendar days do not correspond with the same time of month in the Georgian calendar. As a highly significant Muslim celebration in the country Singaporeans of the Islamic faith look forward to Hari Raya Puasa as a festival full of family reunions, feasting and relishing seasonal delicacies.
It is also an occasion for mending strained ties whether familial or otherwise as forgiveness is a key element in the marking of Hari Raya Puasa. Fortifying existing bonds and bridging the gap among friends, relatives and loved ones, the festival is a grand celebration complete with newly purchased clothing and invitations to dine among relatives and other companions. The first day begins with a stopover at the local mosque for the recitation of a prayer specially prepared for the occasion. The rest of the day is spent visiting loved ones with a visit to one’s ancestral home being one of the first orders of the day. Forgiveness is sought from one’s parents for misgivings in the year past while some Muslims will also stopover at the cemetery to pay tribute to family members who have passed on.
