Eid ul-Fitr (Idul Fitri) Celebration in Hong Kong

Eid ul-Fitr or Idul Fitri or Lebaran is one of the major national holiday in Indonesia and other Moslem countries. If it is in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, it is identical with 1) a week holiday, 2) domestic helper is away, 3) busy activities in the malls/supermarkets, and 4) the fact that Jakarta becomes very quiet as most of its residents are away…

 

This year in Hong Kong

How is it the fasting month of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri celebration in Hong Kong? Nothing. Unlike in Jakarta, where most shopping malls and hotels are decorated beautifully for this festive season. Days gone by as they never exist. 

Even though Ramadhan and Idul Fitri are quiet in Hong Kong, the big Indonesian community here did welcome this festive month with joy. Some friends got together organizing their own “Bukber” (Buka Bareng) or break the fast gathering. The most convenient place is to have it at the Indonesian Restaurant, as they are familiar with this event and food matches! Also, every Friday during Ramadhan, crowds gathered at the Indonesian Consulate to meet with each other and to break their fast. 

It was not only because of food they gathered, some friends collected donation and organized food for the domestic helper shelters. As we might be aware, there are 150,000 Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong. What was also sweet on this activity, donation was also provided by some non-Moslem friends…

 

Last year?

I have just moved to Hong Kong and was busy with all of the moving things; finding a new apartment including its furniture while I was having flu and skin irritation due to allergic, and when things were about to be settled I broke my left toe!

 

Two years ago?

I moved from Jakarta to Ho Chi Minh City: Eid ul-Fitr celebration in Vietnam

 

So going back again to this year’s story...

 

Idul Fitri prayer was held by the Indonesian Consulate General of Republic Indonesia on Friday 9 August 2013 at the Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. I guessed there were 800-1,000 people attended. I was told that last year it was attended by 1,500 people. As last year Idul Fitri was on Sunday which is the day off for the migrant worker.

Eid Prayer @ Victoria Park, 9 August 2013

 

The prayer started at 8.30 am by two speeches and followed by the prayer. By 9.03 am, prayer was done. The Imam’s speech followed afterward and finished before 10 am… It was 32 ° Celsius and “very hot” warning in force by HKO… 

Idul Fitri, the end of Ramadhan, means becoming holy again...

 

 

Wishing you the best of Eid ul-Fitr – Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri – Mohon Maaf Lahir dan Batin.