The joy of Raya: A celebration shared by all

IN Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is more than just a Muslim celebration—it’s a nationwide embrace of unity and togetherness. As the month of Syawal begins, homes open wide, inviting friends and neighbours of all backgrounds to share in the joy.

The beloved tradition of open houses or 'rumah terbuka' turns Raya into a feast of connection. Tables overflow with rendang and ketupat, but more importantly, so do hearts—with warmth, laughter, and the simple joy of being together. For many non-Muslims, it’s a time to step into a friend’s home and leave feeling like family.

This practice breaks down barriers and allows people from all walks of life to share in the festivities, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Navin Kumar, 26, a customer service officer from Melaka, shares how Hari Raya has been a part of his life since childhood. He recalls how his Muslim friends’ families would always make him feel welcome.

"I've been attending Hari Raya open houses since I was in school. My best friend would invite me over every year and his family would treat me like one of their own. It’s such a warm and joyous occasion—everyone is dressed beautifully in their traditional outfits and the house is filled with laughter. I think that’s what I love most about Hari Raya," he said.

Not only that, Navin shared how the festive season is an exciting culinary adventure for him.

"The food is always amazing, too. I remember being so excited the first time I had rendang and ketupat—it was a flavour explosion. My friend's mum always goes out of her way to explain the dishes and even packs some for me to take home. It’s these small gestures that make Hari Raya so special for me," he said.

A marketing executive from Selangor who only wants to be known as Sharanya, 28, said Raya is not just a celebration but a cultural experience that brings people closer.

"I think what makes Raya stand out for me is the spirit of inclusivity. Every year, my colleagues and friends invite me to their open houses and it’s such a privilege to witness their traditions up close. The effort they put into decorating their homes and preparing a feast is incredible.

"One of my favorite parts of Raya is dressing up in baju kurung or kebaya. It’s not something I’d wear otherwise, but my friends always encourage me to join in. It’s so much fun taking photos together and feeling like I’m part of their culture for a day," she said.

Eddy Lim, a university student in Kuala Lumpur, views Eid as an opportunity to bond with his friends and explore Malaysian culture.

“For me, Hari Raya is about the relationships we build. My close friend Faizal’s family hosts an open house every year and it’s like a mini-reunion for all of us. His mum is an amazing cook, and I always look forward to her rendang—it’s the best I’ve ever had. Pair that with lemang, and you’ve got the perfect meal.

"One of the things I love most is how Hari Raya makes me feel included. Despite not being Muslim, I never feel like an outsider. Whether it’s sharing stories, laughing over a meal or snapping photos in traditional attire, it’s a celebration of friendship and unity. It’s a reminder of how beautiful our diversity is," he said.

The highlight of any Hari Raya celebration is undoubtedly the food. Traditional dishes like rendang, ketupat, lemang and satay take centre stage, alongside sweet treats such as kuih raya. For non-Muslims, the spread is a culinary adventure.

Beyond the food and festivity, Eid is a time to reflect on shared humanity and the bonds we build with one another. For many non-Muslims, participating in the celebration deepens their appreciation for Malaysia’s diversity.

In a world that sometimes feels divided, the open doors and open hearts of Hari Raya stand as a shining example of what humanity can achieve when we focus on our commonalities.

This Eid, whether you’re hosting or attending, may your day be filled with love, laughter and the joy of shared experiences. Selamat Hari Raya!