Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Kuching
In Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is more than just a religious milestone; it is a grand, city-wide symphony of multiculturalism.
While the festival marks the end of Ramadan, the “City of Cats” infuses the celebration with a distinct Bornean flair.
Here, the spirit of muhibbah (harmony) is not just a concept but a lived reality, as the celebration transcends ethnic boundaries, bringing together Malays, Chinese, Dayaks, and Indians in a vibrant display of hospitality and local tradition.
A two day public holiday is observed during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Local Culture & Practices
The “Kek Lapis” Phenomenon
No Hari Raya in Kuching is complete without the iconic Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak Layered Cake). These intricately designed cakes, known for their kaleidoscope of colors and geometric patterns, are the centerpiece of every household’s guest table. Preparation often begins weeks in advance, with families either baking their own using labor-intensive traditional methods or flocking to famous local bakers in areas like Kampung Gersik.
Bertandak and Traditional Attire
The “Baju Kurung” and “Baju Melayu” remain the standard attire, but in Kuching, you will often see a fusion of styles. It is common to see people wearing modern interpretations of traditional fabrics, such as Songket Sarawak, which is prized for its gold-thread embroidery. In more traditional village settings along the Sarawak River, the practice of Bertandak (traditional dancing and social visiting) occasionally sees a revival during festive gatherings.
Pelita and the Night of Seven Lights
As the end of Ramadan approaches, the Malay villages (Kampungs) surrounding the city center—such as Kampung Boyan and Kampung Sourabaya—are illuminated by thousands of pelita (bamboo oil lamps). This tradition, often referred to as Malam Tujuh Likur, transforms the riverbanks into a glowing landscape, reflecting beautifully on the Sarawak River.
7-Days Baju Raya
Locals will wear thier Hari Raya outfit (usually Baju Melayu/Baju Kurung) from the first day of Hari Raya until the 7th day. Families and couples tend to were similar colour tone during this time as well.
Yearly Hari Raya Major Events
Kuching hosts several large-scale events that define the festive season, ranging from commercial fairs to massive community feasts.
- Ramadan Bazzaar – During the month of Ramadan, locals open stalls at locations gazetted as Ramadan Bazaars. Here hundreds of stall sell ea huge variety of food meant for iftar (breaking of fast) and last-minute shopping.
- The Premier’s Open House – A hallmark of Sarawakian hospitality is the Sarawak Premier’s Open House, usually held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). This event is open to the public and often attracts tens of thousands of visitors. It is a rare opportunity for ordinary citizens to exchange greetings with the state’s leaders while enjoying a massive spread of local delicacies like Laksa Sarawak, Mee Kolok, and Burong (quail) dishes.
- Buffet Ramadan – Not exactly exclusive to Kuching, but hotels, restaurants and exhibition space tend to offer ramadan buffets for at least three weeks during Ramadan.
- SunkeyLua – Sunkey Lua which means breaking fast outside, is a yearly event where people of all walks of life come together, usually at Padang Merdeka, to break fast.
Dress up for Hari Raya
Hari Raya involved the extensive use of both Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung. If you want to fit right in, wear a Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung for the celebrations.
Check out events and happenings in Kuching HERE.