TM has set the stage for people to stay connected during Raya.
THIS year, Raya will be celebrated in a very different way. Life, as many know it, would never again be the same in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, it has given rise to surprising, beautiful and heartfelt moments, gestures and actions of sharing, reflection, sacrifice, empathy and co-operation to help each other survive and make it through these trying times.
This truly brings forth the Raya spirit and underlines the true meaning of the celebration.
You would notice that Raya clothes are made differently – instead of the usual festive garb, now people are thinking how to support supplies of PPEs and even designers have gotten on board producing this precious resource for our frontliners.
Asking for forgiveness will be different this time, as some will be forced to practise this Raya tradition online.
This is also a time of sacrifice. Never before have we had to give up so much, but the sacrifices all of us make in the name of defending ourselves from the pandemic are different for each of us.
The sacrifice of our frontliners, delivery workers and riders as well as cleaners and others playing a part in helping us keep safe are acts of selflessness that light a flame of hope during this time.
As forced isolation brings forth a time of retrospection to reflect, the rakyat has found ever more ingenious ways to rally together, to help and support each other and to connect to keep in touch.
With the balik kampung exodus halted by the extended movement restriction order, many will definitely miss traditional Raya celebrations with family and friends in their hometowns.
Visits and feasts will certainly be different this year, with many taking their celebration online, keeping family and friends from far and near connected during the festivities.
The tradition of asking for forgiveness will also be much different from the usual, being done virtually rather than face-to-face.
Raya money will also be distributed differently, with many coming together to sedekah to help the needy have a celebration, especially those who have been badly affected by the movement control order.
As a mark of solidarity, the light in the nights before Raya also glows differently as all building will be lit up to keep spirits high.
Our frontliners have sacrificed a lot to keep the rest of us safe from the pandemic.
However, being apart physically does not mean the celebration cannot take place, neither does it diminish the true Raya spirit and the significance of the celebration as a time of forgiveness, community and renewing ties.
This Raya feels different but means so much more and underscores the fact that the normal is no longer the norm – we now have to adapt to the new normal, even when the threat of the pandemic is controlled.
The connections enabled by TM set the stage for the people to show our true Raya spirit that has emerged despite this crisis. These connections keep everyone in touch with each other for much-needed togetherness and support.
This Raya, our celebration will be markedly different from before. We will miss many things we love, such as the open houses and spreads of food among family and friends, a feature temporarily out of reach in the current situation.
Buildings all lit up as a show of solidarity and to keep our spirit up.
However, the reason for celebrating the season has now become more significant. Even though we are forced to be apart, never before has there been a time that we have drawn closer, not only among family and friends, but also as a nation.
In staying connected with one another via online means or even just with a simple phone call to loved ones back home, this Raya means more, as we truly appreciate what we once took for granted.
May this Ramadan and Syawal be one of reflection and gratitude that we have weathered the worst of the storm together and look forward to moving ahead.
The reminder “Even when we are apart, never have our bonds been drawn closer together” from TM rings true this Raya as it keeps us all connected in the spirit of the season.
