Aidilfitri Abroad: Traditions Anchor Malaysian Identity

SHAH ALAM, March 20 (Bernama) -- Amid the echoes of takbir, some Muslims celebrate Aidilfitri far from their families, yet continue to preserve traditions to keep the spirit of the occasion alive.

For Malaysians living abroad, Aidilfitri is not merely an annual celebration but a reflection of identity, cultural heritage and enduring bonds, sustained despite distance and differing environments.

Social media influencer Adilah Sainer, also known as The Rock Chilli Queen, who resides in Virginia, the United States, said living overseas requires greater effort as preparations are done independently without family support.

Having relocated in October 2023, she said Aidilfitri celebrations there are more modest due to the smaller Muslim community, making the festivities largely dependent on individual initiative.

“Everything rests on our shoulders, from preparing rendang to weaving ketupat. Although it is tiring, I still do it so my children can see and understand our traditions,” she said when contacted by Bernama.

She added that her experience cooking with her mother is now passed on to her children to ensure the continuity of cultural heritage despite growing up in a different environment.

Meanwhile, homemaker and social media influencer Siti Hajar Aisyah Hamrah, 35, who lives in Surrey, the United Kingdom, said Aidilfitri celebrations in her community are more international, with Muslims from various countries coming together.

She said the diversity adds a unique dimension to the celebration, as families bring their own traditional dishes.

“Ingredients are easy to obtain, although the taste is slightly different. I try to maintain the original flavours of dishes such as rendang and kuah lodeh for the first day of Aidilfitri,” she said.

She added that the celebration is observed modestly, with community activities including outdoor games for children.

In Perth, Australia, homemaker Siti Nur Mariam Mohd Sopi, 30, who has lived there for nearly six years, said the local Muslim community plays an important role in enlivening Aidilfitri.

She said the spirit of gotong-royong helps recreate the festive atmosphere, as community members gather to cook together before performing Aidilfitri prayers at nearby mosques.

She also orders festive cookies online from Malaysia to retain the taste and feel of celebrations back home.

“Although Aidilfitri abroad is not the same as in Malaysia, we try to create our own atmosphere so the celebration remains meaningful,” she said.

-- BERNAMA