This year, Hari Raya Puasa will fall on the 17th of July (Friday). Hari Raya is another name for Eid-ul-Fitr, and on this special day, Muslims all round the globe join in the spiritual celebration on the first day of the Syawal month. In Malay, Hari Raya means the ‘grand day of rejoicing’. The Muslim festival celebrates and recognises the demonstration of self-restraint during Ramadan, and symbolises purification and renewal. The essence of Hari Raya also lies in giving charity to the needy. Thus, on this day, Muslims often make an effort to better the life of the poor.

Similar to the Chinese New Year celebration, Hari Raya Puasa sees families and close friends gather together for a thanksgiving feast where forgiveness and blessing is sought from one another. Green envelopes containing gifts of money are also often given to children and the elderly. Food specialisties such as beef rendang, satay, sambal sotong, ketupat and lontong followed by lemang, cookies, cakes, biscuits, sweets and pineapple tarts are also foods commonly served during the festival.

We would like to take this time to wish all our Muslim friends and readers Selamat Hari Raya in advance. If you wish to do your part in feeding the poor, support the UN World Food Programme. Earthquake survivors in Nepal urgently need food. Donate now

Wishing you the best of health, The Editorial Team The Medical Concierge Group