Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) Festival in Malaysia 2025/2026

Hari Raya Haji is an important Islamic festival in Malaysia. It begins on the 10th day of the month of the final month on the Islamic calendar and lasts for 2-3 days, through activities like slaughtering cows and goats, holding feasts, singing festive songs, etc. Follow this article to learn more about the grand festival celebrated in Malaysia.

What Is Hari Raya Haji in Malaysia?

Hari Raya Haji is the local Malaysian name for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which means "the Feast of Sacrifice". In Malaysia, traditional celebrations for Hari Raya Haji include praying and thanking the Almighty in mosques, sacrificing cows and goats, etc.

In addition, some of the celebrations are combined with Malaysian cultural characteristics, such as making Malaysian cake-Kuih, wearing traditional outfits, exchanging green packets, and so on. Although Hari Raya Haji is a festival for Muslims, the grand festive atmosphere also attracts many non-Muslims to experience it. In this festival, you can feel the charm of both Islamic and Malaysian culture.

Why Is Hari Raya Haji Celebrated in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, 70% of the population are Muslims and they celebrate Hari Raya Haji greatly. Hari Raya Haji is to memorize Ismail, the son of Ibrahim, who was "almost sacrificed" on Mount Moriah near Mecca. According to the Qur'an, the Almighty ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in order to test his piety. Ibrahim was willing to obey his command, and he passed the test. Finally, the sacrifice was completed by slaughtering a sheep instead of his son.

In memory of Ismail, the Muslims will slaughter cows and sheep in large numbers during Hari Raya Haji and distribute the meat to those in need. Families will get together to make a sumptuous feast and enjoy a few days of joy and relaxation.

When Is Hari Raya Haji Celebrated in Malaysia?

Hari Raya Haji falls on the 10th day of the month of Dzulhijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. The concrete date differs each year.

How Do Malaysians Celebrate Hari Raya Haji?

Wearing a Traditional Outfit

Hari Raya Haji is one of the most important Islamic festivals, so Muslims love to dress up for the occasion. The traditional dress is different for males and females and is usually in bright colors. Women wear baju kurung, which comprises of a knee-length, full-sleeved blouse, and a long skirt with a scarf on the head; men usually wear baju melayu, which is a loose tunic paired with trousers.

Praying and Thanking the Almighty

Hari Raya Haji is a day for praying and thanking the Almighty. Walking on the street early in the morning, you can see Muslims dressed in traditional outfits walking towards the mosques to begin their early morning prayers. The mosques are filled with people from the inside to the outside, all bowing their heads in reverence. They always seek forgiveness from family and friends for all trespasses, insisting that peace and harmony are the way for everyone.

Preparing Excellent Cuisine and Dining Together

In Hari Raya Haji, Muslims honor the Almighty by sacrificing four-legged animals such as goats, lambs, cows, bulls, and camels. The meat will be sold out or distributed to the poor and needy in the community. After buying fresh meat from the bazaars, Malaysians generally invite their relatives and friends (including non-Muslims) to prepare excellent cuisine.

For example, ketupat, which are rice dumplings cooked in a palm leaf pouch; rendang, meat stewed with coconut milk, spices, lemongrass, and shallots; dodol, a sticky, fluffy, toffee-like dessert; satay, which is skewered meat with flavorful spices, etc. When everything is prepared, people sit down with their loved ones, share the cuisine, and enjoy talking and laughing to their hearts' content.

Exchanging Green Packets

During Hari Raya Haji, Muslims in Malaysia give each other green packets, an adaptation of the Chinese red packet. The green packets aim to practice the virtue of generosity, which is highly reputed in Muslim culture. The packets usually have Islamic designs printed on them and contain money, and are usually given to guests when they visit a Muslim family. Receiving a green packet will be one of the happiest moments of that day, especially for children.

Making Kuih - Malay Cookies and Tarts

Kuih are bite-size snacks and desserts. The features of traditional Kuih are its several layers of different colors. They are usually made of coconut for flavor and fat, rice, wheat, or tapioca flour for structure. They are also flavored with sugar and a pinch of salt, as well as vanilla, and then steamed into elastic jelly-like desserts. Kuih tastes sweet and soft and is perfect for breakfast and afternoon tea. Early in the morning, Malaysians start to buy Kuih at bazaars or make their own Kuih at home.

Household Decorations with Hari Raya Lights and Ribboned Ketupats

During Hari Raya Haji, Malaysians like to decorate their streets and houses with colorful lanterns. These lanterns are woven with several bands, which add a cozy atmosphere to the festival. If you go to Kuala Lumpur Mall, you will be amazed at their beautiful annual festive decorations with lots of uniquely designed lights and flowers!

Festive Songs All Day Long

One thing that brings a more joyful atmosphere to Hari Raya Haji is the festive music played all day long. You can hear the tunes everywhere: radio, shopping malls, bazaars, etc. These songs are usually associated with Islam and have been played for generations.

What to Expect in Malaysia During Hari Raya Haji?

During Hari Raya Haji, you can enjoy a lively festival atmosphere, experience Islamic culture, try some excellent cuisine, and see beautiful scenery.

Celebrate Hari Raya Haji in Kuala Lumpur

The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is usually the liveliest place. Streets are filled with people in traditional outfits going on pilgrimages. There are many breathtaking mosques in Kuala Lumpur; for example, Masjid Jamek, known as the Friday Mosque; and Putra Mosque, with the striking feature of its bright pink dome, decorated with lanterns and ribbons carefully. The celebration will continue well into the night when the whole city will still be adorned with brilliant lights. Bustling crowds gather in squares and lawns, exchange gifts, and enjoy the fireworks. Just forget about all your business and enjoy this relaxing moment with everyone!

Putra Mosque

Aside from the festive atmosphere, the capital, Kuala Lumpur is also a shopping paradise. The malls usually have discounts during the festival, so be sure to pick up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, or just to remember your wonderful trip to Malaysia.

Sample Various Hari Raya Haji Dishes at Penang

As a country that has many influences from Chinese and Indian culinary traditions, Malaysia can truly give you an excellent culinary experience. If you wish, you can go to a slaughterhouse and see how halal meat is prepared and distributed. Afterward, go to a fine Malaysian restaurant or a welcoming Muslim family; try some unique dishes: fragrant ketupat, rendang, sticky dodol, salty satay, and the soft Kuih. For a lively culinary experience, don't miss out on the food court in New Lane Hawker Center, a famous food street in Penang. You can find a variety of authentic Malaysian snacks here!

Admire the Enchanting Firework at Malacca

It's also recommended to visit Malacca, one of Malaysia's oldest destinations, with an old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the centuries-old buildings in the old town decked out in all their splendor during the festival. And here is a seaside Straits Mosque, where you can watch the magnificent sunrise with crowds of prayers early in the morning. In the evening, go for a Melaka River Cruise and enjoy the lights and brilliant fireworks along the river. Then head to the Jonker Street Night Market to explore all kinds of snacks from both Malaysia and all over the world.

Hari Raya Haji Travel Tips

Bring Sunscreen Products and Light Clothing

During Hari Raya Haji, Malaysia is in the hot summer, so remember to bring sunscreen products and light clothing. It's also necessary to bring another light jacket since it's usually heavily air-conditioned in shopping centers, buses, and trains.

Eat with Your Right Hand

In Malaysia, people usually eat with their right hand. The right is usually associated with being polite. If you're visiting a Muslim family during Hari Raya Haji, it's better to eat with your right hand.

Mind the Dress Code If You Go to a Mosque

If you plan to visit a mosque, please care about what you wear. Long-sleeved shirts and pants that can cover your body are considered appropriate and it shows your respect for Islam.

Selamat Hari Raya

"Selamat Hari Raya" is a very practical blessing during your Malaysia Hari Raya Haji journey, which means "Happy Feast Day". If someone says "Selamat Hari Raya" to you, just answer with the same words!

Celebrate the Hari Raya Haj in Malaysia with Odynovo

While Hari Raya Haji is celebrated in many countries as an Islamic holiday, it seems to have been even more lively and fascinating in Malaysia's colorful culture. So, come to Malaysia with Odynovo during Hari Raya Haji; watch a solemn mass prayer outside the magnificent mosques; tantalize your buds with Malaysia's flavors in restaurants and bazaars; take a temperate break from the hustle life, and enjoy a few days of relaxation in the festive songs and lively crowds!