Baking and banter spice up gathering
THE aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafted through the Darul Hanan Care Centre in Kepala Batas, Penang, as residents and staff prepared for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

In the whirlwind of excitement, there was a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie and the atmosphere was alive with the infectious sounds of laughter and chatter.

Residents and staff of the Darul Hanan centre busy preparing kuih raya.

Through collective efforts, biscuits such as semprit and mazola were shared among some 100 residents and staff members at the centre.

Siti Aminah, who used to run a biscuit business, is sharing her expertise with residents.Leading the charge was wheelchair-bound resident Siti Aminah Ahmad Idris, 65, who used to run a biscuit business.

“When I was younger, I used to make a variety of biscuits for sale and orders would pour in every year before Raya.

“I am glad to be able to put my skills to good use and share my recipe with the others here.

“I have so many friends helping me prepare the biscuits and we really enjoy doing this together.

“Despite being confined to a wheelchair, I can still roll the dough,” said Siti Aminah.

“For the past few days, the air here was not only infused with the tantalising aroma of butter but it was also filled with warmth as everyone got together to share their experiences and cherished memories.

“These biscuits are homemade and fresh,” she added.

Basharah remembers a time when she used to bake biscuits using a gas oven. These days, an electric oven is the preferred choice.Resident Basharah Md Zain, 63, was among those who volunteered to make the biscuits.

“So much has changed since I was last involved in such a group effort. But the tradition remains.

“Back then, I baked biscuits using a gas oven and it took several days of hard work to bake enough for friends and relatives.

“Today, we use electric ovens.

“Once the work here is done, I am travelling back to Alor Setar, Kedah, to celebrate Hari Raya with my family,” she said when met at the centre.

The home’s staff also joined residents to help them with preparations.

Some even decorated the centre with Raya ornaments.

Darul Hanan Care Centre manager Siti Sarah Yahaya said although there were 102 residents there, 70% of them would return home during the festive period.

She said the residents were aged between 57 and 92 years old.

“About 70% of them will return home, along with their guardians, for a week to celebrate Hari Raya,” she said.

Siti Sarah says various activities have been planned for residents to welcome Raya.As part of the home’s initiative to keep up with tradition and ensure that residents were not left out of the celebration, Siti Sarah said various activities had been planned.

“Apart from organising biscuits and kuih-making events, we gather every evening to break fast together.

“We even have a gotong-royong session to cook up a sumptuous meal for Raya.”

She added that an ustaz would perform prayers with residents on Hari Raya to make it convenient for everyone.

“Residents are also treated to a buffet meal on Raya,” said Siti Sarah.

“Those keen on an outing are sent to their destinations for them to celebrate with other friends and community members.

“Fireworks and other decorations are lit in the evening in keeping with our Raya tradition,” she added.
THE aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafted through the Darul Hanan Care Centre in Kepala Batas, Penang, as residents and staff prepared for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.