Celebrating Aidilfitri for Indian-Muslims

In the late 19th century, Indian Muslim traders began migrating to Malaysia. Later, they were called ‘Mamak’ among the locals, a term still used today (though some may find it offensive).

The Indian Muslims observe both Malay and Indian traditions. They have maintained their unique cuisine and still speak their mother tongue, Tamil.

They also celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri and it can be a little different from the usual celebration with a little 'Indian touch' here and there.

Let’s dress up!

Although Indian Muslims wear the ‘Baju melayu’ and ‘Baju kurung’, they still don their sarees, Punjabi suits, kurta tops and even the Dhoti during Raya.

Noor Habiba Mohamed Sirajudeen, 27, an Accounts Analyst, says her mother still wears the saree.

“I still do wear the traditional baju kurung and kebaya, but my mom wears the saree. For this year's Raya it’s going to be a Punjabi suit for myself and kurta tops for my brothers and father,” she adds.

Saree Kurta

Meanwhile, Maimun Tajudeen,35, says she would wear the saree or Punjabi suit with a tudung.

“I love the Indian in me, I usually would match my sarees and salwars with a tudung,” says the housewife.


Time to eat!

The first thing which comes to mind when it’s Raya is the traditional Malay delicacies such as the lemang and rendang.

But for the Indian Muslims, though lemang and rendang is served but their main courses are the Mughlai and Indian cuisines.

Habiba says that her mother usually prepares the ‘putumayam’, also known as the spring hoppers, for breakfast during Raya, and a spread of yummy Mughlai dishes for lunch.

“We Indian Muslims take pride with our Briyani, therefore, mutton Briyani is a must on the list every year. We also have putumayam for breakfast and payasam is another must have in my house for breakfast,” she adds.


But in Mina’s house, though the Briyani is a must, they also have the Indian breakfast of ‘Thosai’ and ‘Idli’.

“On Raya morning, we would have Idli and Tosai for breakfast. My mother makes the best Dhal curry and coconut chutney to go with the Thosai and Idli. Sometimes, there are Vadai and Payasam too,’’ she says.

Tradition

On the morning of Raya, the Muslims would head to the mosque for Eid prayers and some Indian Muslims would go to the Madrasah mosque for their prayers.

Later the family will go to the grave to pay respect to their loved ones who have passed away and recite ‘Surah Yassin’ together.

They would light up joysticks, pour water and put flowers on the grave before heading back home.

Habiba says that when they are home after the grave visit, her mother would prepare the ‘alathi’ which will be shown around her family member’s faces and then throw it outside the house.

Alathi

‘Alathi’ is a Hindu ritual, where a plate is filled with turmeric water with betel leaves; some light it up with camphor. It is then shown in a circle around one’s face and thrown outside the house. It is believed that by doing so, a person’s negative vibes are removed.

Though Mina does not follow the ‘alathi’ ritual, she says her grandmother would take a bunch of dried chillies in her hands and turns her hands around everyone’s head.

Later, the chillies will be thrown into the fire and burned. This is also a Hindu ritual done for the same reason.

Selamat Hari Raya to all, Indian Muslim or not!