AS Hari Raya approaches, Central i-City invites visitors to experience the beauty of tradition and modernity through its ‘Raya Dulu & Kini’ celebration.
Running from March 8 to April 13, the event blends classic Raya elements with contemporary festivities, bringing families and communities together in a vibrant and meaningful way.
One of the highlights of this celebration is the Raya Bazaar, happening from Feb 20 to March 30, featuring over 70 local vendors. This bustling marketplace not only offers a wide range of festive goods but also provides a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products, helping local businesses thrive during the festive season.
Beyond festivities, Central i-City remains committed to giving back to the community. In the spirit of togetherness, the mall will be distributing food packs to 20 underprivileged and single-parent families in Shah Alam, ensuring that the joy of Hari Raya reaches those in need.
The grand launch of ‘Raya Dulu & Kini’ was officiated by Selangor Exco for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, Tuan Mohd Najwan Halimi, who emphasised the importance of such celebrations in fostering unity among Malaysians.
"Events like these allow people from different ethnic backgrounds to experience and appreciate Malay culture," he shared.
The event’s traditional performances, cultural activities,and modern experiences give visitors an opportunity to connect with Malaysia’s rich heritage while embracing the evolving ways of celebrating Raya.
He also encouraged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Dana Usahawan Madani Selangor (DUMS), a state government initiative offering business equipment or tools worth up to RM30,000 to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow. With RM2 million allocated in 2024, this funding aims to boost business productivity and sustainability.
Reflecting on the event’s theme, Central i-City’s Head of Marketing, Alfred Chua shared how Raya has evolved over the years but still holds the same essence of togetherness.
"This year’s Hari Raya theme, ‘Raya Dulu & Kini,’ celebrates both tradition and modernity. It reminds us to appreciate our cultural heritage, from the nostalgic days of ‘balik kampung’, handmade ‘kuih raya’ and traditional pelita lighting.
"At the same time, we embrace modern ways of celebrating with beautifully decorated malls, digital Raya greetings and contemporary fashion trends,” he said.
"While times have changed, the spirit of Hari Raya remains the same. The joy of family reunions and the tradition of giving continue to be at the heart of the celebration. We have planned various activities to bring the community together, from workshops to cultural performances, ensuring an engaging and meaningful experience for all,” he said.
Exciting Competitions and Performances
For those looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, Central i-City is offering a series of fun-filled competitions:
- Raya Bakat Star Competition: A talent show featuring singers, dancers and performers competing for prizes.
- Fashionista Gaya Raya Competition: A runway-style fashion contest highlighting traditional and modern Raya outfits.
- Creative Raya Colouring Contest: A creative challenge for children to express their artistic talents.
- Raya Dulu Kini Dance Competition: A showcase of traditional and contemporary Malay dance performances.
- Raya Dulu Kini Kompang Competition: A tribute to the rhythmic tradition of kompang drumming, an iconic element of Malay festivities.
Visitors can also look forward to spectacular cultural and musical performances, including:
- Gamelan Ria
- Caklempong Harmoni
- Suara Serunai
- Tarian Riang Kampung
- Rentak Kampung Kompang
- Raya Acapella
- Live Raya Bands
These performances celebrate the melodies and movements of Malay culture, blending classic and modern sounds for an unforgettable Raya experience.
Exclusive Raya Shopping Rewards
Adding to the festive joy, Central i-City is offering exclusive Raya gifts to shoppers. From March 8 to April 13, visitors can redeem:
- Raya Packets with a minimum spend of RM200.
- Raya Packets + Exclusive Container Set with a minimum spend of RM700.
- Premium Ceramic Tea Set + Raya Packets with a minimum spend of RM5,000 (minimum 8 receipts on the same day).