Ramadan Al-Mubarak is starting soon, possibly on the 10th of July. It's the ninth month on the Muslim calendar and we will be fasting from dawn until sunset for the whole month. All Malaysians love to buy food at the bazaars for the breaking fast and will be spoiled for choice!.
The fasting month ends with Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities across the country. There will be a lot of 'open houses' gatherings. Simply means, inviting your friends and neighbors into your homes and enjoy good food and good company :).
A few of my favorite things when Ramadan greets;
I love sending out cards, the old way :).
It is a time for togetherness, growth and love!.
At the neighborhood mosques, communities gather to perform 'Terawih' prayers every night after breaking fast. And then, there will be more foods shared with all. I remembered as a child, I followed my grandma to the mosque only for the after prayer food. Like I haven't enough already!! :). It was the crowd energy that intrigued me, then.
Ketupat is a type of packed, boiled rice or dumpling, wrapped in woven coconut/palm leaves and eaten with spicy peanut sauce or beef rendang. It's a favorite during Hari Raya open houses but you can easily get them at Ramadan bazaars too. Yum!. You can read more about it here and here.
Sometimes, we eat ketupat with satay.
And then, there are endless cookies, home-made or bought.
Ketupat lanterns!.
We hang lanterns in various shapes and sizes (and fairy lights) in our homes, gardens, on the trees and on the streets. In the village, we kids used to light up oil lamps on bamboo staffs across the lawn. And sparklers in our hands. Fun times!.
This week's July prompt, brings back sweet memories and I am looking forward to all these and more!.
What July means to you?. Do share your photos and stories at Our Beautiful World :). Until then, have a great week!. HUGS.
I really liked your story and photos. I really think all the lanterns must be so pretty when lighted at night. what wonderful memories you have. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie, that's such a delightful post! Loved reading your story and watching the beautiful photos. And I love beef rendang!! Enak enak!! We have it in our Indonesian food as well. My grandpa was Indonesian. Hugs and happy Sunday, xo
ReplyDeleteI added a little bit of your story to my blog this time, just because I loved it so much!
DeleteBeautiful photos Shahrul, those satay and ketuput looks yummy!
ReplyDelete:p yumm yump all that food :D hihi by the way wish you a good fasting time :)
ReplyDeleteLovely to find your posts through comments. You are making wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and such an interesting post ... The food looks so delicious!! Thanks so much for enlightening me as to your custom ... have a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful peek into your customs Shahrul!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Shahrul, I love the prompt for this post!! How wonderful and learning it was for me to read about your customs. I love that this goes back to your childhood and you still enjoy it now. Lovely pictures to go with the story too.
ReplyDeleteWell, I did share my Hello July post this week but will do another one with pictures and try to post and link it this week.
It's so awesome to see you teaming up and sharing another beautiful challenge with us. Hope your weekend was a good one.
Thankyou for an interesting story about your Ramadan,- and the beautiful photoes you have shared here.
ReplyDeleteI also looked at some of your preveous posts and love what you are creating. I will love to come back for more visits ,Shahrul.
xo, Dorthe
What a fantastic peek into your tradition Shahrul, this photos and their meanings are spectacular!
ReplyDeletereally lovely photos and thank you for sharing some of your religious traditions!
ReplyDelete