Without a doubt, this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which will take place from Saturday, 23 May until Sunday, 24 May, will be a very different affair compared to previous years.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the Movement Control Order implemented in Malaysia, Muslims nationwide were not able to experience their holy month of Ramadan the way they would normally celebrate it – breaking fast with friends at their favorite restaurant, visiting Ramadan bazaars, or shopping for new Hari Raya clothes.
Despite the shortcomings, Malaysia’s ONE Super Series talent Azwan Che Wil believes it is a good time to explore other ways of celebrating the joyous festival to mark the end of the fasting month.
“To me, Hari Raya is a time where we have to forgive one another and throw away our hate or evil thoughts outside of the window. After all, it is the end of the fasting month, and we have always been thought to be on our best behavior during this festival,” the Kelantanese warrior said.
“I know this year’s celebration is going to be very different because some of my family members will not be able to balik kampung. But that does not mean the celebration cannot go on. It will be less memorable, but we must still enjoy every moment we have here on earth.”
Traditionally, the Manek Urai native visits his mom’s side of the family in Thailand on the first day of Hari Raya, before returning to his father’s kampung in Pasir Mas the following day.
To him, the day is all about practicing his duties as a Muslim, spending quality time with friends and family, and visiting a couple of open houses.
“I love Hari Raya because it’s one of those days in a year where you meet up with your long-lost friends. I don’t need to mention this, but obviously, I look forward to the great food too!” he said.
Though Azwan is forced to celebrate at home this year, he knows he will still have a splendid time.
Besides dressing up in his traditional Baju Melayu attire and attending prayers in the morning, the Muay Thai and kickboxing athlete reveals he might try something different.
“Since the MCO, a lot of Malaysians have started doing things they haven’t been doing, and that shows you it is a great time for you to pick up some new skills,” he said.
“So, for this year, I’m probably going to help my mom cook some rendang and lemang since we aren’t able to go out and enjoy the festival how we normally celebrate it. I urge everyone else to do the same.”
With approximately less than 48 hours until the celebration, the ONE Championship athlete took the opportunity to wish the best to all Malaysians celebrating this joyous festival.
“I want to wish all Malaysians celebrating the festival Selamat Hari Raya! Celebrate it in the humblest of ways, and make sure you follow all the SOPs implemented by our healthy ministry during COVID-19 to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.”
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