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.
