For Fitree Dina, Raya is a bridge across two cultures

 This 34-year-old Thai Muslim shares how Aidilfitri is marked in Thailand and Malaysia, and what living in both places has taught her.

Fitree Dina, seen here with her husband and daughter, has learnt that while Aidilfitri traditions differ in Thailand and Malaysia, the spirit remains the same. (Fitree Dina pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 For Fitree Dina, Hari Raya is more than a celebration; it is a union of the two cultures that have shaped her life.

Growing up a Muslim in Songkhla, Thailand, she belonged to a minority community in the largely Buddhist country. Today, after marrying a Malaysian and building a life here, she sees the festival from another perspective – this time as part of a majority group in Malaysia.

Hari Raya has become a celebration that bridges both sides of her world, even if the traditions are not exactly the same.

“In Thailand, most people remain at the mosque after performing prayers. There is usually a feast where everyone eats together. Children will line up to receive duit raya and ice cream.

“Afterwards, families visit the cemetery before stopping by the homes of their close relatives,” Fitree told FMT Lifestyle.

The mosque itself becomes the heart of the celebration. In the days leading up to Aidilfitri, the community gathers to decorate the mosque as excitement builds for Syawal. In some areas, friendly competitions are held to see which mosque is decorated the best.

In Malaysia, Fitree observed, the rhythm of the day unfolds a little differently.

Fitree (second right) with her husband’s family in Perlis during their Aidilfitri celebration. (Fitree Dina pic)

“People usually perform prayers at the mosque and then go straight to the cemetery. After that, they return home to share a meal with their family.

“Once the family gathering is over, they visit relatives,” she said. Of course, the order of the day can vary from one family to another.

Another tradition that stands out to her is Malaysia’s open-house culture, where families host guests throughout the month of Syawal.

It’s something rarely seen in Thailand. There, celebrations are shorter, and some people even return to work after the first day of Raya.

The idea of wearing multiple Raya outfits was also new to her. “We usually buy only one set of festive clothes for Aidilfitri in Thailand.

“After I got married, my husband asked me, ‘What are you going to wear on the second and third day?’” the 34-year-old recalled with a laugh.

These days, Fitree, her husband and their daughter travel from Penang, where they live, to his hometown in Perlis to celebrate Aidilfitri with his family.

With her family during Hari Raya Haji at a mosque in Thailand, where celebrations tend to be more festive. (Fitree Dina pic)

When Hari Raya Haji arrives, they cross the border to Thailand, where the celebrations are often more festive.

Celebrating Hari Raya on both sides of the border has given Fitree a glimpse of how traditions can vary, and yet still carry the same spirit of being with loved ones.

‘We are the same’

Fitree’s journey to Malaysia began when she moved to Penang at age 19 to further her studies. After graduating, she stayed on, got married, and built a life in the northern state she had grown to love.

Navigating two cultures has been a meaningful experience for her, especially as she has found warmth and acceptance on both sides of the border.

“The perspective of people in Thailand is that we are the same regardless of religion. We are all Thais,” she shared.

“Even in school, my Buddhist friends who knew I was fasting were respectful, and my teachers allowed me to take breaks if I needed to.”

When she moved to Malaysia, she experienced the same openness as friends and lecturers helped her settle into her new environment during those early days.

Fitree’s journey between Thailand and Malaysia reflects the spirit of Aidilfitri – one of openness, kindness and understanding. (Fitree Dina pic)

Along the way, she became fluent in Malay. Although she was first introduced to the language while studying at a religious school in Thailand, her proficiency grew after moving to Malaysia.

Today, Fitree shares glimpses of her cross-cultural journey on TikTok, where she teaches simple Thai and Malay words to her 376,000 followers.

“When we learn a new language, we also learn about a new culture and new people. From there, we learn to respect our differences. And when we learn to do that, we become less quick to judge others,” she said.

Indeed, Fitree’s journey between Thailand and Malaysia reflects the heart of Hari Raya itself – a timely reminder that beyond traditions and languages, what truly matters is approaching one another with an open heart, kindness and understanding.  - FMT

Follow Fitree Dina on TikTok.