For those living abroad, the celebrations often take on a special meaning as they bridge the gap between home and their new surroundings.
Embassies and high commissions are ideal locations for these festivities: not only can they offer homesick Malaysians a tiny taste of home, they are also a fantastic place to showcase the country’s unique culture to their host countries.
Here’s a look at how Hari Raya Aidilfitri was celebrated at 10 locations around the globe.
Ankara, Turkey
The Malaysian embassy here played host to a vibrant Raya celebration that was attended by about 140 people, including embassy officials, students, and members of the Malaysian diaspora.
Guests were treated to traditional festive treats such as satay and Hari Raya cookies.
London, United Kingdom
Members of the Malaysian high commission in London posted highlights of their celebration in a video, starting with a group prayer and ending with scenes of togetherness.
Their post was accompanied by a heartfelt pantun wishing everyone a happy Hari Raya.
Tokyo, Japan
Malaysian embassy officials, dressed in their festive best, shot a Hari Raya video at the Tokyo Station here, accompanied by the song “Meriah Lain Macam” from Hael Husaini and Nadeera. A pantun was also posted expressing how they celebrated Raya overseas.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The most unique Hari Raya greeting on this list is definitely from the Malaysian embassy here, which posted a video called “Poskod Raya dari Phnom Penh” on its Facebook page.
This heartwarming video showcases embassy staff’s attempt to travel home to Malaysia for festive celebrations – only to have their plans upset by unforeseen changes. Despite this, they do not get disheartened, and decide to celebrate where they are instead.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, the Malaysian high commission, together with representatives of Port Moresby, organised “Program Rewang Bubur Lambuk”, which was attended by around 200 members of the Malaysian diaspora there.
About 200 packs of bubur lambuk were distributed to the Islamic Society of Papua New Guinea for a breaking-fast celebration at the National Mosque of PNG, Hohola.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Staff of the Malaysian embassy here uploaded a video of themselves dancing to the catchy Mimi Fly Hari Raya hit, “Serumpun”.
Rome, Italy
On March 30, the Malaysian embassy in Rome hosted a Hari Raya celebration for both Malaysians and friends of Malaysia in Italy.
With the support of Perwakilan Rome, guests were treated to a delightful spread of Malaysian specialties, including lemang, ketupat, rendang ayam and daging, soto, and an array of kuih-muih.
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Malaysians and friends of Malaysians alike headed to the embassy here on March 30, which was splendidly decorated for a celebration featuring ambassador ‘Alauddin Mohd Nor.
Old friendships were rekindled and new bonds forged in this festive celebration of peace, joy and forgiveness.
Melbourne, Australia
The consulate-general of Malaysia in Melbourne had a “solat sunat” ceremony and social gathering with students from the Malaysia Hall Resident Club Melbourne here.
Various guests turned up in their festive best for an evening of fun and camaraderie.
Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, the Malaysian embassy held a modest Raya gathering in the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar, with tremors felt in the Thai capital.
The celebration could not be held at the embassy due to ongoing safety inspections, and was moved to the residence of defence attache Samsul Riza Musa here.
About 200 guests attended, including representatives from Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, all in traditional attire. - FMT
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