Hari Raya Open House
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language describes an open house as "a social event in which hospitality is extended to all". This could be taken to mean that the diplomacy of inviting one and all to your house to celebrate an event is not an unfamiliar practice. But one could conjecture that nowhere else in the world would you find an open house event as big and as merry as the ones held in Malaysia.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (known elsewhere as Eid) is a major occasion in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadhan and the beginning of Syawal. During Ramadhan, all Muslims must fast during daylight hours for at least 30 days. Because Islam uses the lunar cycle to determine important days, Ramadhan and Syawal occur in different months in the Gregorian calendar each year. While observing the fast, indulgence of any sort, like food, drink, or sexual activity, is forbidden. The sick and infirmed, and women who are pregnant, are excused.
During Ramadan special prayers (sembahyang Terawih) lasting some two hours are performed every night in mosques. After prayers, Muslims also spend some time reciting the Koran before retiring. The ideal is to complete the entire book before the end of the fasting month, and the arrival of Syawal. During the month of Syawal (otherwise known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa), many Muslims open the doors of their homes to welcome all, bringing together people irrespective of creed, culture and position to participate in the rejoicing.
An open house brings people together regardless of their religion, position or background. Guests are treated to local favourites such as lemang, ketupat (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), peanut sauce, and rendang, a rich and spicy dry beef dish.
The collage above showcases mouthwatering curries prepared by Norliza née Elizabeth Cheah, the photographer's eldest sister, for the Raya celebration. Hailing from a large family, she begins cooking a day in advance to cater for family and friends who came a-calling. The family photos below were captured in 2019 and on the left, the photographer and his sister were all smiles for the camera! Despite facing a battle with cancer that year, she poured her heart into celebrating life, making it count, knowing that time is precious and best spent with loved ones.
In the past, large-scale open houses, like those organised by political figures, were announced via the mass media. Due to the sheer volume of attendees, these events are usually held at venues big enough to accommodate such crowds. During scheduled hours, a steady stream of visitors would make their way to these gatherings—not only to enjoy the food and festivities, but also to meet the country’s leaders. Tourists, too, are warmly welcomed at such occasions.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri officially begins with the sighting of the new moon on the last day of Ramadan, marking the most joyous celebration in the Muslim community. The appearance of the Syawal moon, as confirmed by religious authorities, signals the eve of Hari Raya, with the festival commencing the following day.
Weeks before the big day, excitement mounts as homes are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the celebration, adorned with new furnishings and decorations, while festive dishes are prepared with great enthusiasm. Flights, trains, and long-distance coach tickets quickly sell out, as it is customary for Muslim families to reunite and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri together. Others take advantage of the two-day public holiday to travel or return to their hometowns.
On the morning of Hari Raya’s first day, it is customary for men to attend special prayers at the mosque, followed by a visit to the cemetery with family members to pray for the departed souls of loved ones. Afterwards, they return home to welcome visiting relatives and friends. The noble act of seeking forgiveness from one another for past wrongdoings and grievances is an essential part of the day.
The concept of the "rumah terbuka," or open house, is a beloved tradition in Malaysian culture, especially during major festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Christmas.
His Majesty, the King of Malaysia and Muslim government leaders also hold "open houses" for the public at their official residences.
During the 2002 Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife stood for hours, greeting thousands of well-wishers. Visitors took the opportunity to shake hands and take photographs with the Prime Minister before his retirement in October 2004. On 10 May 2018, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in again as Prime Minister at the age of 92. That year, he and members of the Cabinet held an open house at the Seri Perdana complex on the first day of Aidilfitri. Dr. Mahathir was overwhelmed by the massive turnout, with Malaysians of all races attending, many dressed in traditional Malay attire. According to Malaysiakini, the crowd was estimated at 80,000.
Similarly, throughout the country, families visit one another, and friends from different religious and ethnic communities are warmly welcomed to join the celebrations. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is observed for 30 days, with the festive greeting "Selamat Hari Raya" exchanged among loved ones and well-wishers.
In 2020, Hari Raya was unlike any other, as the Covid-19 pandemic brought movement control orders, lockdowns, and travel restrictions across Malaysia. The following year, 2021, was much the same: large gatherings were banned, visits to family homes were discouraged, and the annual "balik kampung" exodus could not take place. The celebrations were subdued, with people observing social distancing and staying home.
After the pandemic years, many Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebrations resumed as normal in subsequent years. For example, in 2025, festive hospitality and cultural events marked a return to tradition, with organisations such as Tourism Malaysia hosting celebrations in public spaces that welcomed locals and visitors alike.
However, in 2026, the federal government announced that ministries, government agencies, and government-linked companies would not hold official Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebrations as a cost-saving measure in response to global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this decision was intended to signal greater fiscal prudence and moderation in public spending.
Despite this, open house celebrations at the community levels continued to be part of the festive season, reflecting the resilience of the tradition even when official events were scaled back.
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Written by Raja Abdul Razak in 2003
Photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
Undated 18 March 2026