In Kampung Pasir Puteh, Perak, Malaysia, preparations for Hari Raya begin weeks before the celebration. For 67-year-old retiree Jasmi Daud, this involves cutting bamboo by hand to craft traditional oil lamps known as pelita panjut. These lamps, made from tin cans filled with kerosene and tied to bamboo frames, are a symbol of community and tradition.
The lamps are lit as the sun sets, guiding people home and fostering a sense of unity. Jasmi’s family has won the village’s pelita panjut competition four consecutive years, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational bonding.
Mohamad Norriduan, the village’s development and security committee chairman, notes that the competition has gained popularity over the past decade, attracting visitors from far and wide. The festive displays remain up for about a week after Hari Raya, drawing over 1,000 visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere.