Muslims all over the world are fasting for 29-30 days as a part of their religious obligation. The basic rules of fasting and prayers are the same no matter which part of the world a Muslim lives in but the celebration, decoration, food and clothing depends on the traditions and culture of the country. I love how the same religions and festivals have such different manifestations. I decided to do a picture story of some aspects for Ramazan (the holy month of fasting called Puasa in Malay) and Eid (the celebration to mark the end of one-month fasting called Raya in Malay).
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| Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur - Friday Prayers |
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| Itar or Attar being sold outside the mosque Attar is an essential oil derived from botanical sources |
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| Fasting Muslims listening to Friday Sermon at Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur |
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| A worker collecting donations for the mosque's administration. Any amount can be given. Charity is also an important religious obligation for Muslims |
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| Leaving the mosque after Friday Prayers. |
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| Some people engage in extra prayers as the month is Holy. |
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| The man on the left is dressed in typical Malay dress |
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| Stalls near the mosque selling prayers and Eid related things |
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| Caps for men |
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| Buntings to decorate houses and offices for the festival |
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| Prayer mats |
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| In Malaysia, homemade biscuits are sold and exchanged during the fasting month and on Eid |
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| Clothes for Women |
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| Malls are decorated especially for the whole month - KLCC Suria Center Court |
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| Pavilion Mall Center Court |
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| Gift hampers made of biscuits, chocolates and drinks are being sold at shops. Malaysians present these hampers to each other on Eid |
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| Some Malay foods available at Ramazan Bazaars for breaking fast |
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| Refreshing Drinks |
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| Eid Prayers (Photograph from Eid Last Year) |
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| Lemang or Bamboo Rice is a traditional food made of glutinous rice, coconut milk and salt, cooked in a hollowed bamboo stick lined with banana leaves in order to prevent the rice from sticking to the bamboo. This is a speciality during Raya. (Photograph from Eid Last Year) |
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| A little Malay boy on the day of Eid in Malay dress. (Photograph from Eid Last Year) |
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| Colourful smiles and celebrations (Photograph from Eid Last Year) |
All photographs courtesy www.ahsanqureshi.com
They say a photo is worth a thousand words. The photos were great! You know, we have a similar dish to the Lamang in the Philippines. We call it 'suman.' I hope everything goes well with you during this holy season.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's amazing! I like that everyone even the malls are in on it, I think that helps succeed. The mall itself is gorgeous too, I love all of the colors.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures really do tell an amazing story. They're all so gorgeous and you can feel how full of life they are!
ReplyDeleteWe have gone to Malaysia around that time of the year about two years ago and have also witnessed partly how they celebrate Ramazan. It's a great celebration where all people come together to pray.
ReplyDeleteI have experienced Ramazan and Eid when I lived in Indonesia for almost a year. I like how families exchange food and gifts during the festivities. Prayer and fasting are truly essential to our soul. I love the photos! Thank you for sharing them. They make me understand and appreciate your faith better.
ReplyDeleteWe have different beliefs but one in spirit and love. Fasting is the best way in eliminating bad elements in our bloods and clensed the inside of us. Muslims are very patient in fasting, and after fasting time, eat foods altogether.
ReplyDeleteYou have done such a good job. Photos are amazing! 👍
ReplyDeleteThe quote saying 'A picture is worth a thousand words' is truly the fact. Your picture speaks it all about the place. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for these informative photos which tell an inside story about a religion I am not very familiar with. I have heard of Ramadan but I really have no idea what happens during this month of fasting.
ReplyDeleteawesome photos you have there! i always thought the fasting month for our malay friends simply means to not eat during those specific times but actually there's more to it than just with eating food.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys! Really appreciate all the comments and feedback. They act like a fuel to motivate me to do more and better!
ReplyDeleteDuring Ramadan everything changes upside down both in India & UK. In the middle of the night the bazaars and food places are all open with a feast variety of food. Ramadan in UK is more difficult, than I saw in India, as the sun rises so early and doesn't set till very late.
ReplyDeleteDuring Ramadan everything changes upside down both in India & UK. In the middle of the night the bazaars and food places are all open with a feast variety of food. Ramadan in UK is more difficult, than I saw in India, as the sun rises so early and doesn't set till very late.
ReplyDeleteYeah, in some countries due to time it can be very long... But it is festive and has a charm of its own.
ReplyDeleteReligion really gives me a vibe I can't explain. A good vibe. It emanates an air of divinity and holiness.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice see the custom and practices of fasting in Malaysia. You really captured it well in your photos.
ReplyDeleteYou're right no matter where you are in the world, the process is the same and it's nice to see people sticking to their traditions. I have always been curious about Ramadan, since I believe it's similar to Lent.
ReplyDeleteYou got many awesome photos and yes Ramadan month is Malaysia is like that. There are many stalls setup or so called as bazaar Ramadan.
ReplyDeleteRamadan brings such a festive mood. Feasting on special yummy delicacies is something even non-Muslims love.
ReplyDeleteI love how you are creating awareness for others. Good Job
ReplyDeleteI would live to go here someday. Once i finished all my travel assignment this yr will definitely visit here
ReplyDeleteso that's how it's done in malaysia.. i'm not really aware of other cultures but i read this i quite leard about their practices.. thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese people are really awesome and very consistent. I also like the idea how they observe such event of their religion and the sincerity and passion they have towards it, priceless! Oh, the food being sold, I am quite interested with it. Sure, it does taste good!
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