Muslims in Deep South celebrate Hari Raya festival after the end of Ramadan
The office of the Chula Ratchamontri (Muslim spiritual leader) announced on Thursday night the Hari Raya Aidifitri on July 17 – the festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Governors of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat have sent circulars to all related units in their respective provinces to allow officials who are Muslims to take day off on July 17 as a public holiday to celebrate the Hari Raya festival. In the meantime, Muslim soldiers will be entitled to five days’ off.
Fresh markets in the three provinces have reported brisk business ahead of the festival as Muslims flocked to the markets to shop for fresh food for home cooking or to department stores to shop for new clothes.
Beef and chicken sold like hot cakes and sale was three times more than on normal days.
One of the most popular men’s attires this year is Thawb orThobe – an Arab men’s traditional clothing – and the most sought-after brand is Erlah from Malaysia.
Mrs Waeruhanee Kuheng, owner of Chan-tik store in Pattani’s Muang district said she saw the Erlah brand Thobe from her friend’s Facebook page and would like one for her husband to wear on the first day of Hari Raya festival.
But since she is a garment trader, she asked her sister in Kuala Lumpur to send her 20 sets of Erlah brand Thobe for sale and for her husband. Except the one for her husband, the rest were sold out in just two days.
Mrs Waeruhanee said that the Arab clothing is regarded as trendy among youths in the Deep South and Erlah brand is most popular.
Gold ornaments are another popular item during Hari Raya as Muslim women shop for gold ornaments despite the weakening economy as a result of sliding rubber and fish prices.
Owner of Nai Lek gold shop in Pattani township said that business was not active because of the decreasing rubber and seafood prices.