Time for bonding and forgiving

Muslims around Singapore celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri yesterday, signifying the end of Ramadan.

In the morning, worshippers flocked to mosques, multi-purpose halls, void decks and open fields to take part in Aidilfitri prayers to mark the end of the dawn-to-dusk, month-long fasting period.

In their traditional costumes of baju melayu for menand baju kurung forwomen- often colour-coordinated as a family - Malay Muslims paid visits to friends and relatives. For many, the first stop was their parents' home, where children asked for the forgiveness of their elders for any wrongdoing committed in the past year.

Hari Raya Puasa is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar and amid the feasting and warm greetings of ''Selamat Hari Raya'', it is a time for strengthening bonds between loved ones.

Radiographer Zakiah Sidek, 25, said: ''We are often busy with our daily work and lives. Hari Raya is a valuable time for us to get together as a family.''

This article was first published on July 18, 2015.
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