Eid Mubaarak (Happy Eid)

Hi all

Malaysia (and the majority of the Muslim world) celebrated Eid-al-Fitra today (the end of the fasting month Ramadan). I (Yamin) came back to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday in order to get into the festivities and was not disappointed.

The celebration of Eid-al-Fitra comes after Muslims completed the month long fasting during the lunar Islamic month, Ramadan. As Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, the ministry here is responsible for announcing the official date of Eid. Traditional method relies on the sighting of the new moon as a sign of the new month.

So today, we (me, my cousins and his family) got up at 6am and started getting ready. We then drove to Shah Alam (south of KL) and attended the famous Blue Mosque for the special celebratory prayer. After the prayer, the day is then spent visiting relatives and friends. Moreover, FOOD. LOTS OF FOOD. NON-STOP FOOD. As my cousin is married to a Malaysian, the whole day is spent visiting her relatives. All I can remember is FOOD; yummy, traditional Malay fare; Rendeng Beef, Curry Chicken, Satays, Sweets... It would be rude if you refuse food offered by your host/hostess. This I gladly obliged. Tasting real home cook Malay food puts the rest to shame. All Malaysian women are experts and they spent hours/days before preparing. Some even stay up to 3 or 4am preparing.

There are great similarities between Chinese New Year and Malaysian Eid-al-Fitra celebrations. Aside from great food, adults are also expected to gift packet monies to children as a polite gesture towards their host's hospitality. Instead of Red packets, they use blue or green packets. The only difference is even if you are not married, you are still expected gift money packets.

As the festival also coincide with Hindu new year, Deepavali, most of the country is on leave for the rest of the week.

So, here I am, still holding onto my tummy. Oh yeah, I am heading to Phuket this Thursday to meet up with Jared. Watch this space as there may be an exciting announcement very soon.