Hari Raya preparations have evolved drastically and for marketing professional Raimi Syahmi Redzuan, it’s all about the convenience that social media offers.
At 25, Raimi shares how platforms like Instagram and TikTok made Raya shopping much easier.
"Personally, I’m really grateful for how social media made everything so accessible as it’s all right at our fingertips!” she told Sinar Daily in an interview recently.
She recalls the days when she visited physical stores like Kenanga and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman with her mom.
"But now, with just a few taps on our phones, we can get everything done!” Raimi also emphasises the importance of capturing the perfect festive look for her followers.
"Honestly, I never felt pressured by my followers’ expectations because I genuinely enjoy making and sharing these videos.
"The only real challenge was managing my time, rushing to complete content before the deadline," she said.
However, while social media provided easy access to festive inspiration, she ensured her family moments remained meaningful.
"During Hari Raya, we take turns helping each other with photo sessions.
"More importantly, this tradition kept us present with one another," she said.
Raimi found a balance between being present with loved ones and sharing content, showing that it’s possible to celebrate both digitally and personally.
Aesthetic and Authenticity in Raya Celebrations
For influencer and content creator Zulaikha Rais, the rise of social media brought a shift in how we view Raya aesthetics.
"Now I think more about aesthetics and how everything from my Baju Raya to my home decor looked on camera,” Zulaikha said.
With the pressure to share "Instagram-worthy" content, she acknowledged the challenge but chose authenticity over perfection.
"There’s always a bit of pressure to make things look ‘Instagram-worthy,’ but I reminded myself that perfection isn’t the goal, connection is. I think people appreciate the real moments more anyway," she said.
Zulaikha was also mindful about balancing social media engagement with spending time with family.
She planned ahead to ensure her time offline wasn’t compromised.
"I usually handle my content early in the day or during setup, so I could put my phone down when it matters most," she said.
This ensured she was fully engaged with her loved ones without sacrificing the opportunity to capture memories.
Like Raimi, Zulaikha believed in setting digital boundaries.
"I might schedule a few posts ahead of time, but I try to avoid endless scrolling. I also take time to just be offline as it helps me recharge and appreciate the moment," she said.
Keeping Raya Simple and Meaningful
Veteran TV host Fedtri Yahya, who had seen countless Raya celebrations, believes in keeping the occasion grounded in tradition.
At 44, his focus is less on personal aesthetics and more on creating meaningful experiences with his extended family.
"My focus is more on preparing for my children. I keep it simple because I come from a big family. My preparations mainly revolve around organising family activities in the village,” Fedtri said.
When it comes to social media, he remain steadfast in keeping things casual.
"I only share family photos, the journey back to my hometown and reunions with old friends. No pressure at all," he said.
For Fedtri, the essence of Raya is rooted in family bonding.
"Going back to the Kampung meant fully engaging with family, making sure there is always food for guests and ensuring my children get to know relatives who visit," he said.
His focus was on living in the moment and embracing the spirit of togetherness.
Balancing Social Media and Family Moments
As social media continues to influence the way we celebrate, these influencers emphasise the importance of striking a balance.
Raimi highlighted how capturing moments doesn’t have to detract from real interactions.
"Once we get back home, take a nice shower and finally get to relax, that’s when my family and I check our phones, update social media and scroll through everyone’s Raya photos,” she said.
Zulaikha shares a similar approach, knowing when to step back and enjoy quality family time.
"It’s all about timing. I usually take content early in the day or during setup, so I can put my phone down when it matters most," she said.
Meanwhile, Fedtri stays offline, preferring to avoid the pressure of live updates.
"I never do live updates. Just casual stories. I don’t want to be glued to my phone for too long," he said.
Breaking Free from Unrealistic Expectations
As beautiful Raya photos flood our social media feeds, the pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations can become overwhelming.
Raimi, Zulaikha, and Fedtri all agree that there’s no "right" way to celebrate Raya.
"Some still prefer the traditional method of making ketupat from scratch, while others opt for store-bought nasi impit. At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for them," she said.
Zulaikha echoed this sentiment, urging her followers to embrace their own version of celebration without comparing themselves to others.
"Hari Raya is about celebrating joy, togetherness and gratitude, not about meeting unrealistic beauty standards,” she advised.
"Your worth isn’t defined by likes or filters. Raya is about connection, reflection, and celebration, not about comparison," Raimi added.