Malaysia: Selamat Hari Raya

We started the day without much planned. But it seemed a bit of a waste to while a festive holiday away. So on a spur of a moment, we went out in our Malaysian dress to celebrate Hari Raya.

We went to two starkly different venues.

Firstly, we visited some friends in a low-cost housing neighbourhood. The splash of colour with bright Baju Melayus was a contrast to the otherwise dim and dank corridors. The food and merriment in the living rooms was warm and welcoming. We sat on the floor and traded greetings and stories over rendang and sirap, and the kids were each given some duit raya to mark the occasion.

Boys in batik sharing sweets

After returning home from the round of visitation, Mummy suddenly had the bright idea of joining the Hari Raya Open House at the palace. After all ... it is the palace. What more exotic place to celebrate ... with the King, no less?

The line outside the palace was long but moved relatively fast.

We boarded a shuttle bus at the front gate. So nice to see Malaysians from all walks of life.

You can see the palace at the top of the hill

There were people, people everywhere. Some of whom had lined up early in the morning for the occasion. It was quite a feat to get food and a table to eat at. We really wanted to go greet the King and Queen, but the super long line didn't seem to be moving, so we decided not to stand and wait under the noon sun.

However, someone at the next table blessed us with a box of cookies that were given out to those who did brave the line to meet the King. So at least we have a souvenir to remember the day by. Maybe next time we'll come earlier when it's not so hot!

But whether at one of the poorest urban neighbourhoods or the most palatial of homes, the bond that brings Malaysians together should be one that is cherished and preserved and never abandoned.