Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently issued a statement saying that travelling back to hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya this year will not be possible as crossing state borders is strictly prohibited while the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is in effect. Although many are saddened by this ruling, it is worth noting that such restrictions were implemented to ensure our safety and to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, it is indeed frustrating – but with the help of technology, we’re able to achieve just as much holiday cheer as usual!
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Loved ones and relatives can still be contacted via video calls on many different platforms such as Whatsapp, FaceTime, Zoom, Houseparty and many more. All that’s left is to set the mood and get the Hari Raya groove on in your space. Check out some of these tips that you can use below!
Decorate your house with elements of the festivities
Not being able to balik kampung (return home) during this festive season doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t bring the Hari Raya vibes to the city. Unleash your creativity and switch up your home decor with elements of the celebration. For example, install lights in the front yard, install ‘liplap’ lamps, hang ketupat as decoration, change the curtains and spring-clean the house.
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Cook traditional festive dishes
Every family has had a recipe or two for generations since the time of their ancestors. Now, would be the perfect time for you to recreate them. Ask for some recipes from your relatives and try making them yourself at home. And if you can’t get ahold of old recipes, you can always Google them! 
Here are a few recipe suggestions:
Grilled Ayam Percik
Daging Masak Hitam
Burasak
Rempeyek
Kuih Siput
Buy new clothes online, and don’t get carried away!
Although this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations will be a little more casual, you can still buy outfits online. What’s important is that you avoid leaving the house as much as possible, so buy it online and get it shipped straight to your home. Gotta get that baju raya OOTD right!
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Here are a few places where you can make your online purchases:
Zalora
Poplook
Jakel
Ashura
Enjoy a meal on the morning of Hari Raya with your family
This will probably be the most frustrating thing as we’re not able to physically be with family for a festive meal together. After an entire month of fasting, a meal on Hari Raya morning is said to be more meaningful and appreciated. This will have to do for now, unfortunately. Take this opportunity to do some fun things on video call with your family – click here for some fun ideas!
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And when everyone is full and all the catching up is done with, it’s finally time to take a family photo. Thanks to technology, festive family photos are still possible! Get everyone to pose on the video call and take a screenshot. Now that’s one for the books!