In Pictures: Hari Raya through the years

Muslims in Singapore celebrate Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri on the first day of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Hari Raya Puasa in Malay and Eidul fitr in Arabic essentially means “festival of breaking of the fast”. It celebrates the end of Ramadan, when Muslims observe dawn to sunset fasting for the entire month.
On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims dressed in their best, perform special congregational prayers at the mosque. The day is spent visiting family members and friends.
Pictures curated by Zarinah Mohamed & Hayati Haron.
Photographs can be purchased from the Information Resource Centre, tel: 63195726, 63195508

Updated

Published

Jun 23, 2017, 05:48 AM

1956: Officials from the Muslim Advisory Board scan the skyline looking for the new moon, the signal for the start of Ramadan, at the rooftop of Asia Building. In Singapore the start of Ramadan is now determined by astronomical calculations rather than moon sighting. ST FILE PHOTO: HAN HAI FONG

2010: During Ramadan, in addition to the five daily prayers, Muslims recite a special night prayer called the 'Tarawih‘. ST FILE PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

1972: Children carrying bowls and mugs to collect free porridge distributed by the Aminah mosque in Geylang during the fasting month. The porridge is given out by many mosques daily for iftar, or break fast. ST FILE PHOTO: RAWI AHMAD

2011: Porridge distribution at mosques is an enduring tradition during Ramadan. The packets of porridge will be given out to all who come to the mosques, regardless of race or religion. BH FILE PHOTO: MOHD KHALID BABA

1955: A Muslim shopkeeper in Beach Road handing out money to the poor. During Ramadan, apart from fasting, Muslims are also encouraged to be more charitable towards the needy and perform more good deeds. ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW BOON CHIN

1998: Contributions from the Tabung Amal Aidilfitri (Hari Raya Charity Box), a charity drive held annually since 1992, help the disadvantaged and less fortunate in the Muslim community. ST FILE PHOTO: DENISE TAN AS

2008: Apart from raising funds as monetary contributions during Ramadan, Muslims organisations also reach out to the less fortunate in the form of charity projects like the distribution of rice. BH FILE PHOTO: TUKIMAN WARJI

1952: Relatives and friends work together to prepare food items such as ketupat, cookies and pineapple tarts for Hari Raya Puasa. It is more common nowadays for households to purchase these items instead of preparing them. FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

1972: Ladies buying cookies at a shop in Geylang market. For those who are busy and prefer convenience, ready made cookies are among the first items to be purchased. ST FILE PHOTO: MOHD YUSOFF

1961: Geylang Serai on the eve of Hari Raya Puasa. Muslims usually flock there to purchase almost all the things they require for the festival. BH FILE PHOTO: ALI YUSOFF

1965: Besides Geylang Serai, the Kampong Glam area is another place Muslims go to for their Ramadan and Hari Raya needs. Stalls set up at Bussorah Street sell a variety of food for iftar (break fast). ST FILE PHOTO: LOW YEW KONG

1995: A bustling atmosphere at the bazaar at Bussorah Street, lined with food stalls. The Kampong Glam area remains a favourite with the crowds as they can also do their Hari Raya shopping at the shops nearby. ST FILE PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

2017: The bazaar in Geylang Serai is held under tentages for protection from the elements. Roads surrounding the area are adorned with lights, adding to the festive atmosphere. ST FILE PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

2012: Malay Singaporeans will take advantage of the favourable exchange rate to do their Raya shopping in Malaysia. A shop in a shopping mall in Johor Baru is stocked full of Raya goodies, ready for customers. BH FILE PHOTO: JOHARI RAHMAT

1951: A family visit the grave of a loved one during Hari Raya Puasa. During such visits, prayers are said for the deceased and the grave is cleaned. ST FILE PHOTO

2006: It is a customary practice for Muslims to visit the cemetery during the month of Hari Raya Puasa in remembrance of their loved ones. BH FILE PHOTO: MOHD TAUFIK A KADER

1973: Congregational prayers on the morning of Hari Raya Puasa. The crowd spilled on to the road outside the Aminah mosque at Sims Avenue as there was not enough space. ST FILE PHOTO: JERRY SEH

2010: Worshippers exchanging embraces and greetings with Muslim community leaders at Al-Khair Mosque in Teck Whye after morning prayers on Hari Raya Puasa. ST FILE PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

1951: A Muslim family dressed in traditional clothes visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Hari Raya Puasa. ST FILE PHOTO

1951: Hari Raya children’s party in Geylang Serai given by the Penang Benevolent Society, a charitable organisation. ST FILE PHOTO

1963: Children eating and drinking during a Hari Raya Puasa gathering in the kampong. ST FILE PHOTO: LOW YEW KONG

1955: Sharing the joy of Hari Raya Puasa. A family eating Raya goodies together from a ‘dulang’ (tray). ST FILE PHOTO: TOH HONG BOON

2000: Large gatherings are commonplace during Hari Raya Puasa, where family members catch up while indulging in various delicacies. BH FILE PHOTO: MOHD KHALID BABA

1996: The Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months and is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, thus Hari Raya Puasa may fall on different dates. These students return to school in their traditional outfits after a five day break for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa, which fell on the same week. ST FILE PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN

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