Despite the recent announcement of a third round of Movement Control Order (MCO 3.0) which has led to increased restrictions during Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, two Burmese students are refusing to let COVID-19 get in the way of their celebrations. Wai Yan Hein and Khin Mar Hlaing share a little bit about their Eid traditions back home and what their plans are for Hari Raya in Malaysia.
Khin Mar or also known as Kay who is currently pursuing her Bachelor in Event Management and Marketing, in collaboration with University of Hertfordshire, UK, shares that Eid back home in Myanmar is similar to how Malaysian Muslims celebrate it, albeit with slightly different cultural practices.
Wai Yan clad in a vetti typically worn by Burmese Indian Muslims for Eid prayers in Myanmar
“We (Burmese Muslims), also perform the Eid Namaz prayers before offering salam to all our older family members and relatives as is the tradition here in Malaysia. Right after, we would enjoy a feast together or go about the neighbourhood visiting others too,” shared Khin.
Yan Hein is currently pursuing his Bachelors of Business in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Australia at INTI International College Subang
Wai Yan, 21, echoed similar observations to Kay, while adding that the commonly cooked food for Eid back in Myanmar is a type of Indian vermicelli dish and briyani, while Malaysians here have their own kind of common foods served during Raya.
Khin Mar Hlaing (right) or also known as Kay with her sister after performing their Eid prayers
He further shared that on the second day of Eid, it is also common to see Burmese families frequenting the theme parks or public parks to spend time with their loved ones.
On how they feel about the inability to return home this year due to the pandemic, both Wai Yan and Kay shared that it is during this season that they miss their families the most.
Wai Yan said that if the pandemic did not exist right now, he would fly back to Myanmar and invite all his friends and relatives whom he has not seen in the past year over to his home to spend time with them.
Kay will be spending Raya in Malaysia with her sister and hopefully with her relatives too
On the other hand, Kay expressed that she would hug her family members as soon as she walks through the front door and then she would eat her mother’s home cooked meals until she cannot eat anymore.
“It has been nearly two years since I last met my family, so hugs and food will be my priority as soon as I land back home again,” she half-jokingly reiterates.
Despite the current circumstance COVID-19 has brought against her, Kay is still determined on making the best out of her Raya celebrations this year.
Kay (left) expressed that she would hug her family members as soon as she walks through the front door and then she would eat her mother’s home cooked meals until she cannot eat anymore.
“I currently live with my sister in Malaysia, so I am thankful that I will be able to spend time with her. Once the Raya restrictions are lifted, I will also try to visit some of my relatives who live around Selangor too,” she said.