Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka

August 31st

The Federation of Malaya achieved independence from colonial British on August 31st 1957, every year Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is commemorated with a parade and other performances at Merdeka Square, there are also fireworks displayed at the Twin Towers and at the Golden Triangle. However, I found out today that Merdeka Day celebration is postponed until September 16th because it coincides with Hari Raya. September 16th commemorates the joining of Sabah and Sarawak (the Malaysian Borneo states) into the new federation. As you will see below, the usual massive Malaysian flag at Merdeka square is missing from the massive flagpole. 

Across from Merdeka Square is the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, it is one of the example of Moorish architecture influence in older buildings in KL. Also in the area is the Dayabumi Complex which is one of the many buildings in Malaysia that is designed in Islamic style. From  above, the footprint of the building is an eight pointed star, the facade of the building also adorn the patterns of the eight pointed star, which is an important motive in Islamic architecture. 

Although there was no celebration for Merdeka Day tonight, there were still quite a handful of people at the Square. It's a mix of locals and foreign visitors who were playing with these glow in the dark vertical slingshots.. I went home and set off our own fireworks; as I have always bragged about how amazing Malaysian fireworks are, I'm proud to show the video that I recorded of the fireworks (at the bottom of the post) from tonight, the official ones are even more captivating :)

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station from Merdeka Square

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station with the Dayabumi Complex in the background. 

Railway Station with KL Tower in the background

Merdeka Square's giant flagpole missing its giant Malaysian flag

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Like Muslims elsewhere in the world, Malaysian Malay (who are Muslims) fasted during the holy month of Ramadhan. Every year during this month, there is a street  at the Golden Triangle (commercial, shopping and entertainment hub, just like Toronto's Yonge and Dundas area, but a lot bigger) in Kuala Lumpur that is filled with food stalls selling Malay food so that Muslim working in the area can easily get Malay food to break fast. One of the things that I like about Malaysia is that everyone get to enjoy other ethnics' food. Therefore the stalls are not only crowded with Malays but also Chinese and Indians who enjoy good food as well. 

Hari Raya (New Year) is determined by the sighting of the new moon, Malays will invite their friend and relatives to come to their house, serving the guest with plenty of Malay delicacies. The city is quite empty on the first day of Raya, because most of the Malays would have gone back to their hometown or as we call it, balik kampung. It is a lot more festive at the villages with kid lighting home made bamboo firecrackers and blasting fireworks. 

 Ramadhan food stalls at the Golden Triangle

 Lots of fried food

 Halal dim sums so that Muslim can enjoy chinese food

 Selection for Nasi Lemak

 Drinks

 Display of traditional rumah kampung (village house) at the mall

Celebrating at neighbor's place

 Malay cookies

The one with the leaves are called "lemang" - charcoal grilled sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves in a bamboo stick (bamboo stick is removed after cooking)

Traditional Malay percussion music performance at the mall. Note that there are stones in the wok.

Makcik (auntie) selling lemang