Hari Raya 2020: A Virtual Celebration During Covid19 Pandemic

Hari Raya Adilfitri is here today. It is a religious holiday celebrated by all Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. In many countries with large Muslim populations such as Singapore, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a public holiday.

In Singapore Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated by a trip to the mosque early in the morning where special prayers are recited. After prayers family members in the same household will eat with together and then it’s off to see the parents. Muslims traditionally ask for forgiveness from their elders for any wrongs committed during the year. More visits are made to see relatives and friends, later in the day, where special home-cooked feasts await. Special food like ketupat, lontong, rendang, sambal goreng, sayur lodeh, etc is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate.

However this year will be different, This will indeed be a special Hari Raya season that will make a mark in history and be remembered forever. Muslims will not be able to carry out the various activities and traditions as we are still in this Covid19 pandemic situation. A situation which requires all of us to remain vigilant. The lockdown and safe distancing measures implemented during this period can only bring about the intended results when everybody works together to adhere to them, this measures applies to all regardless if it is festive season.

Mosques are still closed but prayers can still be performed at home with our family members. The tradition of house visiting at our loved ones and relatives or even gathering at public spaces will also not be possible because we are still in our “Circuit Breaker period. Muslims should abide by the restrictions. It is all the more important to take precautions now so that we can visit our loved ones later when it is safe to do so, in more Hari Rayas to come. We can celebrate Hari Raya at homes with our family members. Use this time to foster close relationships with our immediate family members, who live in the same household.

Even though we are not able to meet each, our relatives and our loved ones physically in person, don’t worry and don’t be sad, with the help of technology we can still meet each other virtually, using the video-conferencing apps, like Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype which are easily available.

Like previous years, in the morning of Hari Raya, I will wear my traditional Baju Kurung, go for my prayers and then will go visiting. This year, I will still wear my traditional Baju Kurung, but this time will be sitting in front of my computer screen to meet and give my best wishes to all of you. Remember, do dress your best, motivate your family to do the same and do a “virtual meetup”. Connect with your parents, relatives and friends on video call and relish the feast together.

Trust me, this will be fun and exciting!

Hopefully the Covid19 pandemic will end soon, and we will be able to meet each other again.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all!