Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri....

"Balik Kampung Oh3x Balik Kampung", this song always brings back fond memories of Hari Raya (Eid Mubarak) back to school days. Just as soon as the last bell goes off, we would dash out of our classrooms yelling this song. Nothing could stop us, all our teachers could do was to watch in horror. Our screams could be heard all over the corridor. It was sheer madness. Those coming in for the afternoon session were not spared as well. We drag them to join our celebration. Hailing from an all-girls school, you can imagine the decibel our noise would have reached. Damn, we were hysterical!! 

Actually, we would already be in holiday mood by then usually because exams would be over. Even results announced. So, yay, it was truly a long holiday to look forward. Thanks to the Ministry of Education for regulating school holidays as per our festival seasons. 

Now,. it is that time of the year again! I don’t feel the same way but nevertheless the spirit of celebrating Hari Raya is still high. We still listen to this song, and yes every time we listen to this song – it is not only means Hari Raya is around the corner, but we are also reminded of the singer. Late Sudirman Haji Arshad. Just like many others, I was his diehard fan and I remembered crying upon hearing the news of his demise. 

What I love about Hari Raya - Pasar Ramadhan, breaking fast with my Muslim colleagues, ketupat and lemang and of course Late Sudirman! ;) 

Not only our Muslim brothers and sisters would be glued to the TV tonight but almost the whole nation would be eagerly waiting for the sighting of moon. There had been talks that Hari Raya might fall tomorrow but we were strictly told by the people in “power”, not to listen to rumours. So heck, it is more thrilling this year awaiting when would Hari Raya fall. Will it be a conspiracy. Opppss…I am not getting there, just stop here as far as this part is concerned.

On an important note, for those on 'balik kampung' journeys, please have a safe trip and a happy reunion with families, relatives and friends. Drive safely and do take rest at the designated R&Rs. Speed kills so does lack of sleep. So make sure you get plenty of rest before you kick-off your journey. Don’t forget to service your vehicle too!! Most important – fasten your seatbelts!!

Remember of your loved ones waiting eagerly back at kampong!! Let them greet your arrival with tears of happiness and not grief!!

Last but not least, to the rest of the nation - have a restful holiday and God bless.

Selamat Hari Raya.

Maaf Zahir Batin