5 Festive Tips for Hari Raya Aidilfitri: The COVID-19 Edition

Due to the circuit breaker measures, Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations won’t be the same this time round. Don’t let it dampen your spirits! It’s still possible to keep to the traditions albeit in different ways.

Here are 5 tips to keep up the “kampung spirit” this year:

1. Recite takbir and Eid prayers at home

Families streaming to the mosques early in the morning of Hari Raya, prayer halls reverberating with the sound of the prayers (known as takbir) and performing the Eid prayer in congregation – this is a sight that will definitely be missed this year. Regardless, we can try to recreate this atmosphere in our cosy abode.

Muslims can celebrate the morning of Hari Raya in their homes with family members living in the same household. They can join in the “live” takbir via Warna 94.2 FM, or online through SalamSG TV or the Facebook pages of our local mosques. They can tune into the “live” Hari Raya sermon afterwards as well.

For our grandparents who may not have access to online communication, we can still check in on them via phone calls or text messages, to ensure they do not miss out on the festivities. Even though you need to keep your distance, don’t let them be lonely.

2. Indulge in traditional delicacies

What is Hari Raya without our traditional staples like beef rendang, ketupat, lontong, sambal goreng, and kueh? Preparing and dining on these treats will definitely take you on a trip down memory lane.

3. Take the Hari Raya spirit online

Get decked in your baju kurung or other traditional clothes like how you would every other year. Gather with your family and have a sentimental catch-up session online. Get crazy and creative with your virtual backgrounds. Recreate that same warm atmosphere that fills the home when family members reunite after a long time!

There are also a multitude of ways to get conversations flowing and liven up the party. Aside from video calls, why not bond over fun online multiplayer games with the extended family. It would be an interesting experience to see an intergenerational game take place over the cloud this festive season.

4. Be creative about sending Duit Raya

Hari Raya “green packets” (known as Duit Raya) are gifted to children and youth by adults – a highlight for the young. We can still put a smile on the faces of our young ones by sending small cash gifts online. If bank account numbers are too troublesome for you, now’s a good chance for you to finally register your distant relative’s phone number to ease the e-transaction process.

5. Give back to society

Even as we engage in festivities from the comforts of our own home, let’s not forget what Hari Raya is truly about. Giving to the less fortunate in the month of Ramadan is one way to do so.

You can extend your generosity this month through the government donation platform, Giving.sg. Giving.sg combines donating, volunteering and fundraising into one platform. Explore over 500 nonprofits to donate to or sign up for volunteering opportunities with your family to lend a hand to those who need it.

One of the charities available on Giving.sg is TOUCH, a non-profit organization and partner of Ohmyhome, reaching out to many individuals from all religious and racial backgrounds. Their services extend a helping hand to children, youths, families, people with special and healthcare needs, and the elderly. You can opt to donate to their emergency relief fund or volunteer with them to serve a good cause.

Don't let the pandemic stop you on celebrating Hari Raya this year! Follow the new norm and celebrate with family in a new way.

This article brought to you by Ohmyhome.

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