Idul Fitri

Idul Fitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a time of joy, reflection, and community spirit, celebrated across Indonesia with great enthusiasm. Lebaran is a period of celebration after the fast of Ramadan. The term Hari Raya is popular in different parts of southeast Asia. Hari Raya signals the end of the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims in Indonesia fast from sunrise to sunset for almost 12 hours every day. On Lebaran or the day of Eid Al Fitr, as Hari Raya is popularly known, the fast is broken, and families enjoy traditional feasts and invite friends and relatives. People often exchange gifts during Hari Raya. You will find that elderly people often give gifts to the kids in the family.

History and Traditions of Idul Fitri in Indonesia

If you trace the history of Idul Fitri in Indonesia, you will find that the religious holiday begins during the time of Prophet Muhammad. After Muhammad arrived in Medina from Mecca, he observed that people celebrated two days of merriment in a year. The Prophet took this as a sign from Allah and marked the two days of celebration. The first is known as Eid Al Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast), which falls on the 1st of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, and the other Eid Al Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), which falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. The two feasts are celebrated in Indonesia, with Lebaran being the local term given to the two-day festivities of Eid Al Fitr.

Apart from the exchange of Lebaran or Hari Raya gifts, Indonesia has many traditions. It is a time for people belonging to the Muslim community in Indonesia to come home from their workplaces all over the world. Therefore, this is a time of temporary but significant human migration. This is known as mudik or pulang kampung. Another tradition is takbiran, which is observed on the night before Lebaran. During takbiran, many Muslims in Indonesia play beduk drums, and the Takbir is chanted in mosques around the country. There is also a tradition of receiving salary bonuses and paid leaves during this time.

On the festive days, households follow the tradition of using Hari Raya decor and cooking special meals. It is a time of joy and celebration with friends and family, and this tradition is followed by everyone celebrating.

Idul Fitri is not just a religious observance; it's a national celebration that brings families and communities together. The festival is characterized by:

• Prayer and Reflection: The day begins with communal prayers in mosques and open spaces, setting a tone of gratitude and peace.
• Forgiveness and Reunion: A time to seek forgiveness and reconcile, strengthening bonds within families and communities.
• Charity (Zakat Fitrah): Giving to the needy is a key practice, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion.
  

Hari Raya Puasa Observance

The Lebaran or Hari Raya celebration happens over two days. It usually occurs during summer.

Take a look at the dates of the Hari Raya holiday and Lebaran in Indonesia.

Lebaran 2024

Tue, 9 Apr, 2024 – Wed, 10 Apr, 2024

Hari Raya Shopping

Idul Fitri or the two days of Lebaran are a time of gifting, dressing up in traditional Islamic clothes and decorating homes. So, before Lebaran, people in Indonesia rush to the shops to get everything they need for the festivities. You can visit the many markets in Indonesia to find the best gifts and essentials you can get. Usually, during the last week of Ramadan, there is a flurry among last-minute shoppers, and the streets, markets and shopping centres are crowded. To visit your favourite shopping destinations in Indonesia, book bus tickets on redBus. 

There are some popular Hari Raya gifts that you buy in Indonesia. People get an opportunity to splurge during Eid Al Fitr or Lebaran because of the bonuses! Another item that you buy during Lebaran is clothing. This is the time to dress up in traditional Islamic clothes. Families may even wear matching clothes to take photographs!

If you are hoping to buy some Hari Raya decor, you can pick up some traditional wall art, lamps, and paintings for your home. You can also choose some beautiful floral arrangements.

Indonesia has some great markets where you can shop for Lebaran. Some of these include the textile market of Tanah Abang, Thamrin City, Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta, and Pasar Senen.

Hari Raya Food

Celebrating with a feast is a popular tradition during Lebaran. If you visit families during this time, you will find delicious Hari Raya food in every household. In Indonesia, some of the popular dishes that you can taste during this time include meat dishes, snacks, rice dishes, and sweets. You will also find many street stalls selling flavourful treats during Hari Raya.

At home, people often cook hearty, family dishes like Opor, a bowl of juicy chicken with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, coriander and other spices. Another such dish is Semur. It is a spicy beef gravy with tomatoes and soy sauce. Muslims celebrating Lebaran also enjoy platters like Sambel Goreng Ati, which has meat and potatoes, and spicy vegetable soups like Sayur Labu Siam.

Hari Raya food also consists of Ketupat, perhaps the most famous dish of this holiday. It is made of young coconut leaves and stuffed with rice before being boiled in water or, sometimes, coconut milk. The fragrant and glutinous Ketupat is enjoyed as part of the elaborate Hari Raya meal.

Celebrating in Indonesia - Top Places to Visit for Eid Celebrations

The celebration of Idul Fitri in Indonesia incorporates unique local traditions, making it a vibrant and diverse festival. From special meals like Ketupat and Opor Ayam to visiting graves of loved ones for prayers, the customs vary across regions but share the same essence of joy and gratitude.

There are many places to visit when in Indonesia for Lebaran. You can visit the following places in Indonesia for your Lebaran 2024 celebrations - 

• Istiqlal Mosque: Located in Central Jakarta is a place of congregation for many of the Muslim community in Indonesia. During the days of Ramadan, the mosque serves free iftar to visitors. You can visit the Istiqlal Mosque to learn about heritage and history and engage in prayer.
• Masjid Agung Demak: Masjid Agung Demak located in Central Java. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia and holds historical significance as the site where Islam was first introduced to Java. The mosque's architecture exemplifies traditional Javanese style with its distinctive roofline and intricate carvings.
• Menara Kudus Mosque, Central Java: Built in the 16th century, the Menara Kudus Mosque is renowned for its unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Chinese architectural influences. The mosque's minaret, adorned with Chinese porcelain plates, stands as a symbol of religious and cultural diversity in Indonesia.
• Great Mosque of Palembang, South Sumatra: With its distinctive black and white color scheme and towering minarets, the Great Mosque of Palembang is a striking example of Indonesian mosque architecture. Built in the 18th century, this mosque is a cultural landmark in South Sumatra and a symbol of the region's rich history and heritage.
• Grand Mosque of Bandung, West Java: Designed by Dutch architect Henri Maclaine Pont in the 1920s, the Grand Mosque of Bandung is renowned for its elegant neo-classical architecture and grand dome. The mosque's spacious courtyard and serene ambiance make it a popular destination for worshippers and visitors alike.
• Benhil Street: It is a very popualr for Hari Raya celebration or the days of Lebaran are incomplete without feasts. Benhil Street is known for its numerous food stalls where aromatic and tasty Indonesian dishes are served. You can visit with friends and family, and enjoy a bite of local foods. You will find numerous local dishes, snacks, sweets and even full meals at these stalls. The food stalls in Benhil Street are open throughout the day, and people from all over come to taste authentic Indonesian cuisine and street food.
  

Travel Tips for Idul Fitri

• Book Early: Transport and accommodation can get booked quickly. Plan your trip in advance.
• Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions.
• Use Public Transport: Traffic can be heavy during the festival. Opt for buses and local transport for convenience.

Lebaran or Hari Raya is a time when you bond with your near and dear ones. It is also a time of holiday after the end of Ramadan. You can seek blessings from the elderly and wish well to your friends. Lebaran in Indonesia is spent with those you love and is a time for peace and joy. Make sure to book your homecoming bus tickets in advance to avoid any last minute hassle. 

Happy Hari Raya!