As Hari Raya approaches, families across the globe gear up to celebrate this joyous occasion with fervour and festivity.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparations, it is essential to ensure that children remain engaged and entertained during this special time.
To help families make the most of Hari Raya while keeping their little ones entertained, here are six fun activities that promise to delight children and foster a sense of togetherness:
1. Decorate paper Ketupat: Ketupat, the iconic rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves, is one of the main dish during Hari Raya festivities. Engage children in the tradition of making ketupat by providing colorful paper, glue, and scissors. Let their creativity shine as they craft their own decorative ketupat, which can be hung around the house or used as table decorations during the celebrations.
2. Eid card making: Encourage children to spread joy and love by making Eid cards for family and friends. Set up a crafting station with colorful paper, markers, stickers, and glitter. Children can unleash their artistic flair as they design personalised cards, adding heartfelt messages to convey their warm wishes for Hari Raya.
3. Traditional games: Rediscover the joy of traditional games that have been passed down through generations. Organise a friendly game of congkak, where children can hone their counting and strategic skills while having fun. Other popular games such as batu seremban (five stones) and gasing (spinning tops) are sure to keep kids entertained for hours.
4. Storytelling Sessions: Take a trip down memory lane by sharing stories and anecdotes about Hari Raya traditions and customs. Gather the family together and recount tales of past celebrations, highlighting the significance of cultural practices. Encourage children to share their own stories and experiences, fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity.
5. Cooking Adventures: Get children involved in the culinary delights of Hari Raya by enlisting their help in the kitchen. From making delicious cookies like kuih semperit and kuih tart to preparing savoury snacks such as curry puffs, let kids lend a hand in preparing traditional delicacies. Not only does this activity teach valuable cooking skills, but it also provides an opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories.
6. Virtual Visits: In today's digital age, staying connected with loved ones is easier than ever. Organise virtual gatherings with family and friends who may be unable to join in person. Children can catch up with cousins and relatives, share stories, and participate in virtual activities together, keeping the spirit of Hari Raya alive despite the distance.
By instilling these fun and engaging activities into Hari Raya celebrations, families can create lasting memories and instill a sense of cultural appreciation in children.
From traditional games to creative crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this joyous occasion.
As families come together to celebrate Hari Raya, let the laughter of children and the warmth of togetherness fill the air, creating cherished moments that will be remembered for years to come.