ON May 4th, the Malaysian embassy staff in Moscow welcomed their Russian friends, who came to celebrate the Aidilfitri, a day of celebration signalling the end of Ramadan.
A beautifully decorated hall, shining faces, cheerful music — everything spoke of a festive mood.
Congratulations in different languages sounded from all parts of the hall. People greeted and got to know each other, and had lively conversations.
Almost at the entrance, the wife of the deputy military attaché, Dayang Nurillah, and her daughter were preparing ketupat, a symbol of the celebration, and taught others how to make them. There was no end to those who wanted to.
In the winter garden — another interesting idea — were tables bearing colourful greeting cards (from Malaysia itself!), which could be filled out and, after writing the address, put into the mailbox.
Then the embassy staff will send them by mail to the addressees. I signed a postcard to my wife who, unfortunately, could not attend the party, as well as to the students of the Tat-Kargala school in the Orenburg region, who just recently listened to my story about Malaysia.
Then, the sound of music was heard, as young people in black suits appeared in front of those present. These are Malaysian students studying at the Moscow Aviation Institute. Maisarah and Firdaus demonstrated some silat techniques.
Everyone looked spellbound at their amazing show. I remembered that this is how some Malay weddings begin as the bride and groom go to their pelamin.
The guests were greeted by the Chairman of the International Women's Club in Moscow, the wife of the ambassador of Jordan, Ms Toby Shawabkah, Chargé d'Affaires of Malaysia, Johan Ariff Abdul Razak, and his wife, Sharifah Nurhafizah, the head of the embassy's women's union.
Ms Shawabkah spoke about the great significance of this celebration for Muslims.
For every believer, this day is participation in the common joy of fellow believers and a good opportunity to replenish spiritual experience.
Moments later, the doors to the dining hall opened, and everyone got excited. Such a variety of food!
For many, the delicacies were new experiences. As for myself, I willingly tell the uninitiated about my favourite dishes: laksa, satay, rendang, keropok and ketupat.
Everything is very delicious. The feast had been prepared by the wives of the embassy staff. The party ended with a dance, in which both hosts and guests took part.
On behalf of those attending, we left taking with us in our hearts the warmth of this holy celebration.
* The writer, writing from Moscow, is a former lecturer at Universiti Malaya
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