1. Ramadan Bazaar in Malaysia
Tradisi pertama datang dari negeri tetangga, Malaysia. Bazar Ramadan menjadi tradisi yang ditunggu-tunggu saat puasa. Bazar Ramadan ini menyajikan aneka jajanan makanan dan minuman untuk berbuka puasa, seperti pencarian takjil di Indonesia. Selain untuk mencari makanan untuk berbuka puasa, bazar Ramadan juga menjadi saat untuk berkumpul, dan menikmati kebersamaan dengan teman atau komunitas.
The first tradition comes from neighboring Malaysia. Ramadan bazaar is a much-awaited tradition during fasting. This Ramadan bazaar serves a variety of food and beverages to break the fast, just like the search for takjil in Indonesia. Apart from looking for food to break the fast, Ramadan bazaars are also a time to gather and enjoy the company of friends or communities.
2. Chaand Raat in Pakistan
In Pakistan, there is a tradition called Chaand Raat, also known as Moon Night. This tradition takes place on the last day of Ramadan, and marks the beginning of the Eid celebration. After the moon is sighted, women in Pakistan will rush to the market to buy jewelry, and decorate their hands and feet with henna. Apart from Pakistan, the Night of the Moon is also celebrated in India and Bangladesh. During Chaand Raat, the streets of the celebrating countries have festive and bright decorations to attract visitors and stay open till late.
3. Haq Al Laila in Uni Arab Emirate
Before the start of Ramadan, children in the UAE have a tradition of celebrating Haq Al Laila, which takes place on the 15th of Sha’ban. During the celebration, children wear traditional clothes and carry colorful woven bags and go from house to house to get candy from neighbors, similar to the Halloween celebration in the West. Haq Al Laila usually starts after the Maghrib prayer. This tradition is also one of the manifestations of the importance of bonds between neighbors, communities, and family values.
4. Padusan and Nyekar in Indonesia
Nyekar before fasting
Indonesia as one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world also has traditions that are carried out before Ramadan, one of which is padusan and nyekar. Padusan is a tradition of taking a big bath or soaking in spring water to purify oneself before entering the fasting month. In addition to padusan, Indonesians also have a habit of doing nyekar or grave pilgrimage before fasting. This is done as a form of respect for the ancestors or those who have passed away. People visit their family graves to clean the grave area, sprinkle flowers, and pray that the deceased will be given peace in the grave.
5. Drum Beating in Turkey
The tradition of waking people up for dawn is also found in Turkey. The difference is that in Turkey, people are woken up by drummers who go around the city at dawn. These drummers also wear traditional Ottoman costumes while playing drums while walking on the streets. It is said that this tradition has existed since the Ottoman Empire era. This tradition is also known as the “Ramadan Canon”.
6. Qatayef in Yemen
Qatayef
In Yemen, the tradition of making a special Ramadaan cake called Qatayef is an important part of the fasting month celebrations. Qatayef is a crescent-shaped Middle Eastern dessert. The filling of this cake is diverse but tends to be sweet, such as filled with nuts and cheese which are then fried or baked. Qatayef is usually enjoyed when breaking the fast together with family or with friends.
7. Seheriwalas in India
The tradition of waking up for dawn like in Indonesia and Turkey also exists in India, called Seheriwalas or Zohridaars. In India, especially in New Delhi, Muslims walk around the city in the morning before suhoor chanting the name of Allah and the Prophet, and knocking on doors to wake people up for suhoor.
8. Raivaru in Maladewa
Maldives is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also for its traditions during Ramadan. This country with an all-Muslim population has a tradition called Raivaru or poetry reading just after breaking the fast. The traditional poems are about Ramadan and are not too long. Ramadan in the Maldives is made even more special by this form of poetry.
Although Ramadan has the same meaning all over the world, each country has its own unique way of celebrating it. These traditions not only enrich the local culture, but also reflect the spirit of unity and togetherness of Muslims as they fast. By recognizing these traditions, we can appreciate the diversity and beauty of Ramadan in different parts of the world.
