In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 30 in 2015, we present this story on some of the quintessential cultural practices Malaysia has to celebrate Raya.
Malaysian Raya references come in many shapes and forms, such as in movies, songs, and even commercials. Be it a black and white film of yore or an upbeat song freshly released by a famous contemporary artiste, these elements have become a staple of Ramadan, kindling the festive spirit within their audience and opening the floodgates for an outpouring of treasured Raya memories spent with family and friends. Convergence invites you to tag along as we appreciate some of these iconic homages to Raya.
The Pleasing Raya Song
No Raya celebration is complete without the sound of a festive number in the background serenading bystanders. There is no shortage of talented singers in the country with the ability to belt out unforgettable numbers, ranging from evergreen hits to more recent songs, enough to put anyone in a celebratory mode. Here we take a listen to their famous songs that have become compulsory ballads at any Raya open house.
The late Sudirman Arshad had many nicknames, including the Malaysian Elvis and the People’s Entertainer. His most famous creation perhaps is the catchy song almost every Malaysian knows by heart, Balik Kampung. The title, and the song itself refers to the annual mass
exodus of Malaysians to their home villages during festivals, a traditional aspect of Raya.
Salmah Ismail, or more widely known as Saloma, is the late songbird behind another perennial Raya favourite, Selamat Hari Raya. Word for word, the title is the warm greeting extended to celebrate the festival, and the song itself has woven its way into the essence of the
celebration, enduring over the years to remain one of the top picks of Raya songs.
Satu Hari Di Hari Raya (A Day of Raya) is a track by another Malaysian gifted singer, M Nasir. The song instils an uplifting vibe into Raya
celebrations, and many a listener has caught themselves clapping along and tapping a foot in the beat of the rhythm, cementing this popular melody a spot in the Raya song chart.
The Entertaining Raya Movie
The nation’s movie industry has long since generated films that have found generous airtime during Raya. From the black-and-white motion pictures by P Ramlee to the recent heart-warming works by Yasmin Ahmad and slapstick comedies by Aziz M Osman, these movies have been entwined with Raya, finding their way into the hearts of viewers. Here we look at some of the local films that have became obligatory watches during the Muslim festival.
Seniman Bujang Lapok (The Three Wornout Bachelors Actor) is one of the more famous movies done by the late P Ramlee. Released in 1961, the movie features three bachelors who endeavour to break into the film industry with comedic consequences. Typical of the vastly talented man, P Ramlee wore many hats in the making of this movie, being the writer and director aside from taking on the starring role.
Another instantly recognisable name in the Malaysian movie scene, the late Yasmin Ahmad had created several moving films. Considered by many as the crowning glory of her epoch, Sepet (Slit Eyes) is a 2004 movie that revolves around the blossoming affections between a Chinese boy and a Malay girl, one that has to endure social and racial barriers. Apart from winning several film awards here and abroad, the movie also captured the hearts of viewers.
Directed by Aziz M Osman, Lagi Lagi Senario is a 2001 comedy for the entire family. It draws laughter from the audience by following the antics of amusing characters who work in two competing food stalls. The title takes its name from the popular Malaysian singer/comedy group Senario, whose members star in the movie. The film found itself legions of fans upon its release and became the top-grossing Malaysian movie, a record it held for nine years.
The Touching Raya Commercial
Raya is also the season when moving advertisements find their way to television screens in the interest of boosting the festive merriment. Typically produced as short films, these commercials tell tales in the spirit of Raya. Here we take a peek at some of the creations by Malaysian companies in the past years that have tugged at the heartstrings of audiences.
In its 2014 Raya advertisement, Ke Pangkuan Bonda (Returning to Mother’s Bosom), oil and gas giant PETRONAS takes the viewer to a traditional yesteryear Raya celebration in a village as seen through the eyes of a little girl, and gradually shifts the perspective of the
celebration as the girl grows up to become a young woman. It shows the spirit of Raya, namely the bond it fosters among family members.
Atuk (Grandfather) is carmaker Nissan’s 2014 commercial for Raya. It features a cheeky grandfather who surreptitiously slips away for a drive in his trusty old car without informing his family, who had come down for a visit. He soon finds himself lost in memories stirred up by the car and the scenery he motors past. His worried family soon sends his grandson to look for him. The advertisement harks back at the nostalgic memories of Raya as the viewer connects with the grandfather’s reminiscence.
Telecommunication provider Maxis also forayed into the Raya commercial world with their 2013 title-less effort that shows the frustrations of an adolescent boy as he returns to his ancestral village that lacks a Wi-Fi connection. He ultimately connects with his young relative, who, with the help of traditional games, shows him fun can be had without technology.
With innumerable references to Raya in Malaysian popular culture around the time of Ramadan, it is quite difficult not to develop an enthusiastic disposition, whether one celebrates the annual Muslim observance or not. They evoke a tangible feeling of festivity that draws the crowd in to the celebrations, which is a cornerstone of the sense of togetherness of a multi-cultural nation. It is a sense of harmony that is honoured by the Raya festival itself.
