Hari Raya Puasa in Philippines

Hari-Raya Puasa in Philippines is celebrated in the country with intense religious observance. This festival is observed just after the ending of Ramadan. Thus it ends the fasting in the month of Ramadan, which is of severe importance to every Muslim. Though this festival gets a special mention in the Islamic calendar, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared the occasion of Hari-Raya Puasa a holiday for the whole nation.

Features of Hari-Raya Puasa in Philippines

- Hari-Raya Puasa in Philippines begins with an ablution or ritualistic cleansing by the Muslims
- The devotees then participate in the Id-al-Fitr Prayer and also listen in to the khut-bak or the sermon.
- You will find the men dressed up in white headpieces during Hari-Raya Puasa in Philippines and the women in white elaborate and gorgeous dresses wrapping them from head to foot.
- During this festival, you will find all the members of this community, gathering in the mosque which is constructed facing Mecca.
- After the prayers are conducted, people throng the streets in order to practice the virtue of forgiveness.
- People also indulge in lavish feast with food and drinks
- They also practice generosity and charity by giving out gifts and sweets
- Muslim families are visited by friends and relatives
- During Hari-Raya Puasa in Philippines, you will also find traditional kueh, savouries and other famous Malay dishes being cooked at homes.