Celebrating the glow of pelita panjut
Lighting of oil lamps still a much-loved festive tradition

THE tradition of lighting up pelita (oil lamps) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration holds profound cultural significance in Malaysia.

Among the Malay community, it symbolises the joyous spirit as the month of Ramadan draws to a close and festivity is ushered in.

In rural areas and urban outskirts, it is common to see pelita panjut (oil lamps made from bamboo), being lit and placed by roadsides at night, welcoming family members returning from the city for their balik kampung holiday.

Some communities also place these lamps within their home compounds, as well as mosques and surau.

In other places, such as Jertih in Terengganu, some individuals still use pelita kekabu, a type of lamp made from seed pods of the kapok tree.

In urban areas however, the tradition has taken on a modern turn, whereby folks use decorative lights.

Some go the extra mile by coming up with a theme to their light presentation, which may include national landmarks.

A handful of homeowners, in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, harvest solar power for this purpose.
THE tradition of lighting up pelita (oil lamps) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration holds profound cultural significance in Malaysia.