The Spirit of Ramadhan @ 1Utama

The rich cultural diversity of Malaysia allows its people to celebrate a few different 'new year' according to the various religious calendars. Malaysians of different ethnicity celebrate together and whenever a particular celebration is due, businesses and stores are appropriately decorated for these traditional festive occasions.

During the month of Ramadhan, (fasting month for the Muslim majority in this country), whereby forgiveness, guidance, self control, sacrifice and empathy for the less fortunate, are practiced, Muslims throughout the country are preparing for  the much anticipated celebration at the end of the fasting period.

The tradition of  'balik kampung' literally translated means going home to one's village or original place of abode, is well underway with fares for all transport modes sold out.  In particular, a metropolis like Kuala Lumpur, where many folks 'emigrated' from smaller towns and villages to work, many will also make the annual pilgrimmage back to their hometown to celebrate the joyous occasion with loved ones.

rural setting : thatched huts, palms + padi (rice) fields

A beautiful nostalgic rural scene has been set up in the main concourse of this particular shopping mall to herald in the mood for Hari Raya Puasa which falls on 10 & 11 September 2010.

Of note is the inclusion of live palms, especially the coconut (cocos nucifera) and the areca nut (areca catechu) palms into the setting to reflect their significant roles both economic, social and aesthetic in the livelihoods of villagers around the country.

scarecrow

threshing the stalks

separating husks from grain

bag it

In small rural farms, back breaking padi planting, harvesting, threshing, separating and packing methods shown above still use manual labour and primitive implements.

Besides decorating their homes, new clothes, shoes, presents and the gift of green cash envelopes make all the excitement worth the wait.