With Hari Raya just a few days away, many have already begun planning open houses to welcome family and friends.
Traditionally, Raya visits required no formal invitations – just a simple phone call or text message to let the host know of an impending visit.
Guests are received warmly and served an assortment of Raya cakes, biscuits and canned beverages, without the need for elaborate buffet spreads.
Over time, the question “Bila open house?” has become a common conversation starter, often carrying an unspoken expectation that hosting an open house is the norm.
However, not everyone has the means to cater to 100 or 200 guests. Those who are well-off may be able to afford live cooking stalls serving murtabak or sizzling noodles, but others may feel pressured to match such lavish hospitality.
This expectation can sometimes overshadow the true essence of Hari Raya. We should normalise the idea that Raya visits should not be limited to large open house events.
Hari Raya is, at its core, about strengthening relationships, seeking forgiveness and reconnecting with family and friends we rarely see.
Whether through grand celebration or simple home visits, the spirit of the occasion should remain one of warmth, inclusivity and togetherness – without unnecessary social pressure.
Md Aidil Fitri
