Hari Raya Puasa Festival enlivens Singapore's Muslim community after the strict Ramadan season, which obliges them to abstain from foods, drinks and extra merriments.
In contrast with Ramadan period, Hari Raya Puasa festivities lavish dozens of dainties on the festival's attendees, tempting with lots of traditional Malay rice delicacies like ketupat, lontong or lemang, also spicy meat rengang and above all, the most famous Malay cake called Kuih Muih, which comes in endless varieties.
On the day of Hari Raya Puasa Muslims wake up early to visit the mosque and thank God for everything they have. They also ask forgiveness from their elders and get special presents - ‘green’ packets of money. People get dressed in their best clothes to visit family and friends. Hari Raya Puasa means people will wear clothes of bright colors. Women wear a Baju Kurong (a traditional Malay costume which can be translated as "enclosed dress"), Baju Kebaya (blouse-dress) or Baju Jubah (flare dress). Men wear the male version of a Baju Kurong with a Kain Samping (a cloth worn over the trouser of the Baju Kurong). Men also wear a songkok (a cap made of felt, cotton or velvet) on their heads.
Traditionally the celebration features colorful dance and music performances and lights up Singapore's main streets with majestic illuminations and other decorative elements like a Crescent or Moon, reflecting the symbols of Islam.
