We’ve entered the season of Ramadhan, and that only means one thing – we are inching closer to Hari Raya Aidilfitri. So have you all made the necessary preparations?
Since we’re only human, sometimes we’re bound to forget even the most basic necessity. Don’t worry, we have listed down 10 essential things that you must have or do, this Raya!
Shop for new Raya clothings
Raya is the time when you want to show off everything new! From new Raya outfits like baju melayu, baju kurung, jubah and others, to new shoes, handbags, curtains and maybe even furnitures. However, we advise that you spend wisely and not be wasteful. Whatever that are still usable and in good condition, there is no need to buy a new one.
Get a variety of Kuih Raya
What is a Raya without the various assortments of Raya cookies AKA Kuih Raya! There are various unique and modern recipes that you can find online, so while we’re still in the month of Ramadhan, you might want to use this chance to practice and make homemade Raya cookies. But in case you have no time to bake them cookies, you can always buy them!
Classic dishes for the Raya menu
The once-in-a-year occasion wouldn’t be complete without some traditional local delicacies that are usually highly sought after during this season. The dishes include ketupat, rendang, dodol, lemang, nasi himpit, kuah kacang, lontong and more. Again, you can either choose to learn the recipes and cook these food together with your loved ones at home or just buy them!
Transport for balik kampung
Hari Raya is the season of family gathering. So for those travelling back to your hometown, you may want to make early preparations. For those who are driving, be sure to get your car checked and serviced, while those who are not driving, better purchase early tickets for flight, train, bus, etc before they all run out!
Compile a Raya playlist
How can we forget about Raya playlist? From Saloma’s classic “Selamat Hari Raya” to Sudirman’s road trip tune “Balik Kampung” as well as Sharifah Aini’s cheerful anthem “Suasana Di Hari Raya”, and more. There are plenty of old and new songs you can compile in your Raya playlist which you can enjoy during your journey back home or when relatives come to visit. The music will definitely lift up the Raya atmosphere.
Prepare some Duit Raya
It’s okay for you to splurge a little on new outfits, furniture, kuih raya, and all, but don’t forget to set some aside to give out as Duit Raya. Yes, like Angpau, Duit Raya is one of the things that children look forward to the most during Raya. But don’t forget the elderly like your parents and grandparents.
In Islam we believe that the more you give, the more you’ll get in return.
Beraya at relatives’ houses
As mentioned before, Raya is the season for family gathering. Take this opportunity to strengthen your bond and relationships with your extended family members by visiting your loved ones. Raya is also the time for you to visit and pay respect to those who have left and it is a tradition for families to pay respect to their ancestors on Hari Raya.
Pay your Zakat Fitrah
Zakat fitrah is an obligation for all Muslims who have reached the age of maturity. It is prescribed as a means of purification for the person who fasts, redressing wrong deeds and undesirable words uttered during fasting. It also serves as a relief-aid to the needy. For most states, each person has to pay RM7.
Plan a short vacation
Since Hari Raya Aidilifitri is a one month celebration, you can also use this opportunity to plan a short vacation trip with your family members or even friends! It will be a perfect getaway from your everyday working life, so relax and have some fun with your loved ones!
Give your house a makeover
If you’re planning to have guests over at your house, then you should definitely give your house a thorough makeover. That means, this is time for you to do some spring cleaning and maybe add some new decors and furniture to make your house look brand new. Free up some space by getting rid of your old and unused items such as old furniture, curtains, dish ware, and even Raya clothings.
But how do you get rid of them? Well, instead of throwing them out, you can sell them on Carousell and reap profits from it! Asia’s mobile marketplace Carousell has recently kicked off the Raya season with its Mari Ber-Carousell digital campaign to encourage Malaysians to declutter this Ramadhan.
You can sell anything and everything on Carousell! Not only that, Carousell can be a great platform to generate your side income. Take experienced Carousellers Nazirul Asyraf and Vic Lee for examples.
Nazirul is someone who loves vintage cameras so he used the platform to trade preloved vintage photography items. “Carousell Community is build on trust and I feel safe and comfortable dealing with the buyers. It also has in-app live chat tool where you can deal with buyers directly.”
Meanwhile, Vic is an event planner who makes hand-made paper flowers for weddings and other events. “Carousell was like an open door for me. It gave me the opportunity to invest my handmade products. I’m happy to give my best to satisfy my Carou-buyers.”
For those who are interested to start their business on Carousell, download the app for iOS or Android, and visit www.carousell.com for more information.
