Aidil Fitri my Blessings...

Photo captured  with lumix LX3. (P&S)

Why do we admire scenes like this?  What is it about the beauty of nature that causes men, women, and even babies to stand in amazement?

“General Revelation.”  That is, God the Creator, has revealed aspects of His character and nature to all of mankind through His creation.  When we look at this sunset, we realize that God is BEAUTIFUL and the source of all beauty!

Today Muslims throughout the world celebrate the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The first day of Syawal is known as Eid-ul-Fitr in some parts of the world and Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in Malaysia.

There will be family gatherings and reunions in the days ahead during the month of Syawal.

Those who live and work in cities away from their hometowns often make the effort to return to the places where they were born or lived as children.

But many more such as the Malaysian who work overseas and our fellow soldiers will celebrate the dawn of Syawal alone, away from family and friends.

Let us spare a thought for them and resolve to show compassion for them  as we enjoy the company of our loves ones and traditional delicacies specially prepared for the festivities.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA ,AIDIL FITRI.

MA'AF ZAHIR BATIN.

Bertuntung or Lighting Fiesta.

Lighting fiesta or better known as 'Bertuntung' which go on through the Syawal period see villages in Kuching,lighted with decorative lamp and traditional lamps.

Children is the most joyful people during the fiesta .Here you see the children preparing to light the traditional lamps.

This fiesta bertuntung  is held with aim of bringing back nostalgic feeling of how Hari Raya was  celebrated in the past.

The villagers would decorated the kampung(Village) and houses with kerosene lamps  and colourful decoration lamps.

Bertuntung  a traditional widely practised by the Malay Muslim community in Sarawak since the colonial era.

This is how the kerosene lamp look like,,,,Selamat Hari Raya.

Is it last day of Ramadan...

The period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadan.The actual sighting is conducted by state

appointed religious officials at various points (usually at hilltops) throughout the country.If the crescent is sighted,the following day is then declared the first day of Aidilfitri,which is also the beginning of the 10th month of Muslim calendar SAWWA:L.(Syawal) 

People are rushing ..just in case to-morrow is Hari Raya.

The katupat casing on sale..

In Malaysia, the sighting of Syawal new moon to determine the date for Aidilfitri celebration will be held at 30 places nationwide on Sept 8 that is to-night.The Conference of Rulers has given its consent that the date for Aidilfitri  be fixed based on sighting  of the new moon and calculations.'The Keeper of the Ruler's Seal" will announce the Aidilfitri date over radio and television the same night.

Rush hour..traffic congested is common here, as you can see people are rushing to Gambier street,the most popular spot for Hari Raya needs.

The Night of Tujuh Likor...

 

The last 10 nights of Ramadan is said to be the most auspicious nights for the month. It is mentioned in the holy Quran that angels would come down to earth on one of those night, praying together with those who pray late in the nights.

Another practice associated with the last days of Ramadan is that of putting up lights around the house. From the twenty-seventh day of the month up to the Hari Raya (Eid) festival, if you walk through any Malay village you will find the houses lighted up with oil lamps, or coloured electric lamp. The occasion is known as "Malam Tujuh Likur" but it is not of Islamic origin even though the lights are said to welcome the angels who visit earth during this period.

Nevertheless, these displays of lights are very attractive especially in the villages. It also set the mood for the Hari Raya festival which is just a few days away.

Keripik Bandung,Pisang & Keladi.

This Keripik Ubi,Pisang & Keladi is just like sweet potatoes ........

If you want to make your own Keripik Ubi,Pisang and Keladi  it's very easy ;)

First you need to peel off the  skin then rinse the Ubi,Pisang and Keladi with clean water, cut it into thin slices, deep fry it in to hot oil until it becomes golden, drain it then sprinkle with salt.

Merdeka Day in Kuching.

The beautiful sun was shining and I have to put on sun glasses to protect my eyes 'Welcome to Kuching,Sir".

Yesterday 31 of August 2010 is Merdeka Day in Malaysia and its public holiday.

I started my day by walking from Padang Merdeka .Padang merdeka in Kuching,formerly known as padang central,is rather 'QUIET' this time around as this year's Malaysia Day is not held in Kuching.It was 09:00AM ,the beautiful sun was shining so beautifully that I couldn't resist capturing some photos of Merdeka fever in some parts of Kuching City.

The admin of this building 'Medan Pelita' is in a spirit of patriotic.

Street fruits vendor trying to be a patriotism ,using the flag (Jalur Gamilang) to protect him from sunshine........

Spirit of Patriotism '1Malaysia'  creativity of St.Joseph School students...

Bapak Malaysia image should be highlighted instead of our present PM.Another creativity of St.Jo School. (Jo is for Joseph not Abg Jo our state minister).

On my way to my home 'Desa Ilmu' this is Jalan Dato Mohd Musa of Kota Samarahan.This place is 30 mins drive or about 26KM from Kuching City.See the Jalur Gamilang on a street lamp pole and it's public holiday so not many road user to-day.

All above image captured using Olympus DSLR the official camera for Kuching Daily photo .

Hari Raya Preparation..

All Malaysian Muslim are getting into a final one third stage of the holy month of Ramadan.In less then 10 days,they will celebrate Eidul Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa.

What would Hari Raya be without new clothes, new shoes, new bags and basically lots of new things?

Shoppers throng malls, bazaars and boutiques in search for the trendiest baju kurungs and kebayas (traditional Malay attire for women), latest tudung )(scarf) trends, fashionable shoes, sleekest baju melayu (traditional Malay attire for men) and so forth. There are some who opt for a family colour theme for Hari Raya each year, and will hunt for materials of the same colour. While some can make their own Hari Raya attire or send it to the tailors, others prefer to get it ready-made as it is easier and sometimes cheaper.

 

Spoilt for choices........

It’s not just about the shoes,kopiah or clothes; even Hari Raya delicacies are on sale along with the apparel.

Delicacies etc,etc.......

Children wear etc.etc.........

 

Though it’s the fasting month, many shoppers don’t seem to feel the fatigue or tiredness when hunting for the best deals. While some opt to go shopping at night, after the breaking of fast, many would rather go during the day as there are more shops open and they can get the best bargains.

My advise....spend wisely.