Hari Raya is the Malaysian name for Eid ul-Fitr. Also known as Lebaran, it is celebrated by the Muslim community of Kuala Lumpur. Hari Raya is observed at the end of Ramdan, a one month long fast period.
Hari Raya, better known as Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is one of the major festivals of the Muslim community in Kuala Lumpur. This festival immediately follows Ramdan, one month long fasting period, that is usually celebrated in the 9th month of Muslim calendar. This time is regarded as the holiest period in Muslim calendar. During this period, the Muslims of Kuala Lumpur, like the Muslims of the rest of the world, fast for the entire day. It is only after sunset that they eat or drink anything during this month.
Hari Raya is widely celebrated in Kuala Lumpur. On the eve of this festival, takbir is recited by the Muslims.
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Every household in Kuala Lumpur is decorated with sparkling lights and colorful paper artifacts. Special kind of dishes and meals, such as ketupat and redang, are also prepared on this day. A day prior to Hari Raya in Kuala Lumpur, people light oil lamps, popularly called panjut and pelita. In olden times, oil lamps were lit on Lailatulqadar to summon the angels and spirits. People of Kuala Lumpur also wear traditional Malay dresses on Hari Raya Pausa. Traditional dresses known as 'baju Melayu' are worn by men; whereas, women wear 'baju kebaya' and 'baju kurung' on this occasion.
Firecrackers form an integral part of the festivities of Hari Raya at Kuala Lumpur. Adults, as well as children, burn 'meriam buluh', a special kind of firecracker, on this occasion. Children are also given 'duit raya' (token money) on the eve of Lebaran.
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