Serian Folks Gear Up For Hari Raya With Festive Preparations

SERIAN (March 19): As Hari Raya Aidilfitri nears, festive lights and colourful decorations illuminate streets and neighbourhoods across the town, nostalgic Raya tunes stream over the radio, and shoppers flock to markets and stores to prepare for the celebration.

With the festive season entering its final stretch, local households are busy stocking up on festive cookies, traditional delicacies, and decorative items as they get ready to celebrate Syawal with their loved ones.

Radiographer Nur Azizah Aziz said this year’s celebration will be especially significant for her, as she rarely gets the opportunity to take leave due to her profession in the healthcare sector.

“Being a Sarawakian who works in Peninsular Malaysia, Raya is a big deal for me. Every year, I apply for leave and return to Serian just to be with my family.

“Sometimes, I spend hundreds of ringgit on flight tickets just to make sure I can be home,” she told The Borneo Post.

She said Hari Raya has always held a special place in her heart, as it is one of the occasions when all family members can gather together.

“Raya is the only time when everyone comes back, and we can celebrate as a complete family,” she added.

Nur Azizah said she had already begun preparing for the celebration early, including purchasing groceries and Raya outfits ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush.

“I prefer to get everything ready early because I do not like crowded and stuffy places, especially during the fasting month.

“The roads are also extremely congested during this period, so preparing early helps reduce the stress.

“Panic buying at the last minute while fasting can be quite exhausting and frustrating,” she said.

For Irrina Hazwina Mohamad Suhaili, Hari Raya preparations have always been closely tied to family traditions and long hours helping in the kitchen.

She said Syawal is typically the busiest period for her family, as her mother runs a baking business that receives numerous orders for festive sweet treats.

“I grew up spending long hours in the kitchen, from early morning until late at night, helping my mother prepare the orders.

“In the afternoon, I help complete the orders and arrange deliveries. At night, after iftar (break-of-fast), we usually continue preparing the house by decorating and doing spring cleaning,” she said.

Despite the long hours and demanding preparations, she said the festive season remains a cherished time for the family.

Meanwhile, technician clerk Nur Shaeva Chu said her family plans to celebrate this year’s Aidilfitri in a modest manner while being mindful of their spending.

“As usual, my family and I prefer moderate celebrations. The true meaning of Aidilfitri lies in its values and significance, not in having a grand celebration.

“What matters most is togetherness — being able to gather as a family, share meals and celebrate the festive season together,” she said.

Shaeva added that rising living costs have also influenced the way many families plan their celebrations carefully this year.

“Not only have the prices of goods increased, but clothing such as baju Raya, kebaya, songkok, and festive decorations are also more expensive now.

“That is why we try to be more prudent with our spending,” she said.

Amid the busy preparations, the essence of Hari Raya goes beyond festive celebrations, emphasising family traditions, gratitude, reunion, and the joy of celebrating with loved ones.

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