LETTERS: THIS year, not only are we unable to go back to our hometowns for the festivities, we also cannot congregate for Hari Raya prayers in mosques.
What's strange is that we show how much we care for our family and friends by not paying them a visit at their homes.
Put simply, the classic Hari Raya tradition we look forward to each year is now a subdued one due to the prolonged Movement Control Order (MCO).
Well, the movement restriction should not stand in the way of making our Hari Raya meaningful. Let's take this opportunity to stretch our creativity and make the best of this different kind of Hari Raya.
There are still many traditions we can pursue merrily with a little tweak.
An essence of Hari Raya is giving and forgiving. Remotely, we can still exchange forgiveness.
After all, it is the thought and intention that matter most. For the children, part of the Hari Raya gratification revolves around collecting duit raya.
The convenience of sending e-duit raya zaps out excuses of not giving one this year.
Hearty home-cooked meals and scrumptious kuih raya best sum up the highlight of Hari Raya.
In keeping with the festivity, we can still feast together, albeit remotely.
It will not be a bad idea to teleconference our Hari Raya brunch with families from wherever we are.
After a hearty meal, how about some screenshots? Take fun and creative family photos like never before.
These photos will surely dominate social media posts and hopefully brighten the day for many of us.
Another tradition we are putting on hold this year is visits to relatives' homes. Fret not, with all the online Hangout possibilities, the extra distance should not make us drift apart.
Host online Hangouts over kuih raya. Before saying goodbye, take another memorable screenshot to treasure in the future.
Admittedly, nothing beats the power of presence and face-to-face interaction during this festive season.
In making do with the alternatives, part of us may feel incomplete without the traditions we grew up with. Chin up!
This too shall pass. When life gives us lemons, we make lemonade.
Amid the awkwardness and the bittersweet memories of this year's unique Raya celebration, it is worth remembering that we are doing right by staying put at home. The last thing we want is to make the pandemic harder to contain.
Let us hope that our sacrifice is temporary. When the pandemic is over, this different kind of Hari Raya may turn out to be the sweetest and most unforgettable memory that we will cherish all our life.
From Putrajaya, my husband and I would like to wish our families in Tawau, Kota Kinabalu, Bangi and Machang as well as our dear friends near and far, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin!
DR ZURINA MOKTAR
Putrajaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times