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As many are advised to stay home and stay put due to the current situation, the way you celebrate festivals this year will likely be different. For some families, it is the only time for them to be reunited. With interstate travel possible only for urgent and emergency cases, the likelihood of having a gala or big gathering is much, much lower.

For Eka (pictured third from left, with her cousins and sister-in-law) and her family, even with the restrictions and barriers in place, the most valuable lesson from this is that “we’re more connected now (friends, ex-colleagues, college mates), whereas before, we were distracted and busy with other commitments, only meeting up during certain occasions, we might have overlooked some of our existing bonds or relationships.”

“My family and I are getting used to video calls now, so whenever we miss our extended family members in Penang, we will contact them.”

On the traditions that she would usually carry out every year, “Typically, there’d be prayers at the mosque as well as ancestors’ grave visit. However, with the situation at present, we will pray at home as a family and skip the grave visit.”  She continued, “During our open house, we’d get to savour some of the best Raya dishes.” They include Ketupat Daun Palas, Rendang Tok, Laksa Johor, Laksa Penang, Lontong, and Mee Kuah Tulang.  “These will be prepared by my uncles and aunts.”

Laksa Johor, anyone?

On the tradition of giving out and receiving duit raya, “Since it is now almost impossible to meet and hand out duit raya like in previous years, we’ll have to make do with e-duit raya then. The feeling will be different. I’d still think we’d give out duit raya personally when this whole thing is over and plus, we celebrate Raya for a month.”

On how different the celebrations and atmosphere in 2020 will be, she said, “Of course it would be different if we are not able to go back home and meet everyone else. The ambience and level of joy will not be the same. Regardless, we still need to keep the spirit – we’ll still be making Raya biscuits – but smaller portions I guess. Hey, and never forget the Rendang and Ketupat. It’s just that we won’t get to share these with our relatives. I expect a lot of video calls and perhaps to make it feel more like Raya, why not play some Raya songs at home?.”

On her plans this year, “No open house this year, Raya will only be in Kuala Lumpur. We are not really expecting any guests. We’d forgo Raya visits, we’d just be at home celebrating with close family members.”

Note: Raya refers to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is a period of celebration that comes after the month-long of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.