Selamat Hari Raya!

We’re well into Hari Raya 2023 in Singapore, and the festivities are in full swing. Families and friends travel to meet each other to celebrate the completion of a month of spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and devotion to Allah. 

Hari Raya is an integral part of Singapore’s cultural diversity, and it is a time when people of all faiths come together to celebrate the occasion. During this festive season, people wear traditional Malay clothes, prepare traditional dishes, and participate in various cultural activities.

If you’re planning to visit your Muslim friends and family for Hari Raya open house celebrations, there are some essential etiquette rules that you should know about before doing so. Let’s take a look below!

Dress Code

One of the most important Hari Raya etiquette rules is to dress modestly. It’s respectful to wear traditional Malay clothes such as the baju kurung or kebaya, which are loose-fitting garments that allow for airflow and keep you comfortable in the tropical Singaporean weather. 

There aren’t any taboo or inauspicious colours, so you have free reign for your outfit’s colour scheme! Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes, as this is considered disrespectful to the culture and tradition. Stay away from crop tops, miniskirts, booty shorts or low necklines! 

Greeting The Host

When you arrive at your host’s home, greet them with “Selamat Hari Raya”. It shows that you acknowledge and respect the occasion, which will make your hosts very happy! Another phrase that you might hear is ‘Eid Mubarak’, which means ‘blessed celebration’. 

If you have Muslim friends, you might have seen them take their elder’s hand and kiss it. You may do that if you’re comfortable, but a simple handshake or smile will undoubtedly work just as well! However do keep in mind that cross-gender contact is frowned upon.

Bring Hari Raya Visiting Gifts

Our fellow Asians might feel pressured to bring a gift for a Hari Raya open house – but it’s perfectly fine even if you don’t! 

However if you insist on bringing a small token of your appreciation, a simple gesture such as bringing a box of cookies or chocolates will do the trick. If you’re not sure what to bring, ask your host if they have any preferences.

If you’re looking for something a little more extravagant for a close friend or family member, check out our Hari Raya hampers on Simply Hamper SG! They work perfectly as a last-minute gift idea, and especially if you don’t know what to bring. Our 100% halal goodies will bring a smile to your host’s face for sure!

Table Manners

Chances are that any open house celebration will have an abundance of food and drinks for you to enjoy. Indulge in traditional Malay dishes such as rendang, briyani, satay, and ketupat, and don’t be shy to ask how to enjoy them! 

It’s also super important to eat with your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and used for personal hygiene purposes. If you’re not used to eating with your right hand, you can still request for a fork and spoon!

Celebrate Hari Raya with Simply Hamper SG

Hari Raya festivities last for almost the entire month, so there’s bound to be a couple of open houses for you to visit! You can also take this opportunity to learn more about Muslim culture and tradition, while celebrating with your Muslim friends and family.

If you’re looking for a last-minute Hari Raya hamper, view our halal hamper offerings here. Visit us at Simply Hamper Singapore to check out what else we have to offer! Enjoy free, same-day delivery on all orders made before 3PM!