Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026 in Malaysia

Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the joyous end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, open houses, and festive meals. Families visit one another to seek forgiveness and strengthen bonds, wearing traditional attire and exchanging green packets. This important holiday reflects unity, gratitude, and compassion across Malaysian society.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri: A Public Holiday?

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is observed as a two-day federal public holiday in Malaysia, during which most businesses, offices, and schools close to allow citizens to fully participate in the celebrations.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, has deep roots in Malaysian culture, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and self-reflection for Muslims. The celebration follows the sighting of the new moon, which signals the arrival of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This practice began centuries ago when Islam spread to the Malay Peninsula through traders, missionaries, and scholars. Over time, Hari Raya became one of the most anticipated celebrations in Malaysia, blending religious customs with unique local traditions.

The festival holds special meaning as it honors the values of patience, gratitude, and forgiveness nurtured during Ramadan. Historically, Malay communities welcomed the day with prayers and communal gatherings, creating strong bonds within families and villages. Today, this legacy continues, reminding everyone of the importance of faith, compassion, and togetherness in Malaysian society. Hari Raya Aidilfitri stands as a symbol of unity, peace, and respect across all backgrounds in the country.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration in Malaysia

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of Malaysia's most joyful and colorful celebrations. Families prepare by thoroughly cleaning their homes and decorating them with lights, ketupat, and traditional motifs. Special dishes like rendang, lemang, and kuih raya fill dining tables, ready to welcome visitors. On the morning of Hari Raya, Muslims attend prayers at mosques before returning home to seek forgiveness from their elders and loved ones, a tradition known as "salam raya."

During Hari Raya, many people open their homes to friends and neighbors, regardless of background, sharing food and warm wishes through open house events. Children eagerly look forward to receiving "duit raya," small packets of money given as a gesture of goodwill. The spirit of giving and visiting reflects the values of generosity and compassion that Ramadan teaches. These customs strengthen relationships between relatives, friends, and communities, encouraging unity and harmony.

The importance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri extends beyond religious observance. It reminds Malaysians of the shared values of respect, kindness, and forgiveness that are vital in a diverse society. This festival allows people to reconnect with their roots and honor family ties. Through joyful celebrations, Malaysians reinforce social bonds and build a sense of belonging, making Hari Raya Aidilfitri not just a religious holiday but a meaningful national tradition that celebrates peace, gratitude, and community spirit.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Observances