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Tourism Malaysia

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House 2011

September 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm

The end of Ramadhan month is marked by Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia. It is a time when everyone returns to their family and celebrate the joys of life. The usual exodus back to the hometown is known as Balik Kampung, literally meaning going back to the village, and even those who are not Muslim take the opportunity of the public holidays to rest and relax. In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is also celebrated with open houses, or rumah terbuka, where people invite their relatives and friends over to their houses to partake in various Malay delicacies. This custom of open houses are so common that many politicians and public figures usually organise open houses during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Hari Raya Open House

The scene at Tun Mahathir’s Hari Raya Open House in 2008. Though open houses among friends are a more intimate affair, the festive mood and cheer remains as strong as ever.

In recent years, the federal government has organised an open house event to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with the general public. This event also allows visitors and tourists to experience the open house easily, as most open houses are events that are limited to relatives and friends. This year’s national Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House will be held in Permatang Pauh, on the mainland of Penang on 11th September 2011. The event will take place at the field of SMK Guar Perahu, a secondary school from 11 am till 3 pm and is open to everyone, no matter what the race or religion. Like previous years, the open house will be graced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and is organised by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.

Penang was chosen as this year’s location as the state has never organised a big scale celebration unlike its neighbours Kedah, Perlis and Perak. So if you are in the northern region this 11th of September and wish to join the festivities, remember to head to Permatang Pauh, Penang.

Photo (c) CLF

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