Ramadan 2013

Records indicate that Islam was brought by Arab traders to Malaysia in the 12th century. A significant portion (60%) of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population is Islamic and Islam is the state religion of Malaysia.
The month of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and the festivities associated with Hari Raya Pausa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri(internationally known as Eid al-Fitr) are thus important events on Malaysia’s festival calendar. Ramadan is traditionally held during the ninth month of the 12-month long Islamic calendar. This holy month of fasting begins with the sighting of the new moon at sunset or “rukyah”. Ramadan in Malaysia in 2013, commenced on Wednesday 10th July and will continue until the appearance of the next new moon on Wednesday August 7th.
Fasting during Ramadan is the one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink or have sex, from the morning prayers (Fajr) at daybreak until the evening prayers (Maghrib). Folks start their fast after consuming an early morning meal called Sahur and don’t eat all day until the evening meal, Iftar commonly known in Malaysia as "berbuka puasa”(to open the fast).
Fasting in Malaysia is quite an arduous task, due to the country’s year round hot, humid weather which makes going without food or water quite challenging. The sacrifice made during the month of Ramadan is supposed to remind people of those folk who are less fortunate. However, Ramadan also features much togetherness, for in Malaysia, friends and family usually get together in the evening to break the fast at one of the country’s many vibrant pasar Ramadan or Ramadan bazaars.
These bazaars host offer a plethora of stalls offering savory and sweet dishes for the iftar feast.  These bazaars are the star attraction of the Ramadan festivities in Malaysia and draw hordes of locals and visitors. Both Muslim and non-Muslims flock to these Ramadan bazaars to devour the wide variety of foods on offer.  The many stalls at these bazaars usually open for business just before the evening prayers (Maghrib),so stall owners can also break their fast.
The stalls at the Ramadan bazaars offer traditional Malay eats like grilled chicken(Ayam Golek), Ikan Bakar(spicy grilled fish), Nasi Lemak (coconut flavored rice) and various other coconut based curries along with a whole host of deserts made from yam, coconut and banana like ondeh ondeh and Kuih lapis. Halal Chinese and Indian Muslim specialties along with Italian and Mexican cuisines are also available at the many stalls of the Ramadan bazaars. Also on offer at these stalls, are vast quantities of Iranian dates, much favored for breaking fasts in Malaysia. Religious items, festive cookies and clothing are some of the other items offered for sale at these bazaars.
If you are visiting Malaysia during Ramadan, you must try and sample the many foods of the country’s many animated Ramadan bazaars. All major cities and towns host these lively festival markets which are somewhat similar in nature to the many Christmas markets of Europe.
In Kuala Lumpur you could head to the Shah Alam Stadium Bazaar or the Jalan Tunku Abdual Rahman Bazaar or even the Pantai Dalam or Taman Melawati bazaars for the Ramadan bazaar experience.  While in Penang, you could try the Ramadhan Bazaars on Jalan Makloom or Teluk Kumbar or then enjoy the Ramadhan Bazaar experience at one of the many locations in Kota Kinabalu, like Pekan Sembulan, Tanjung Aru Plaza, Harbour City, Putrajaya Telipok, amongst others.
Hari Raya marks the end of Ramadan and is the biggest public holiday of the year in Malaysia. The Hari Raya holidays usually extend over two days and features much feasting, revelry and exchange of gifts between friends and families. New clothes are also bought for Hari Raya and most stores and malls in KL, and elsewhere in Malaysia host attractive sales in time for the holiday.
Contrary to common belief, Ramadan actually is a wonderful time to visit Malaysia.