Ambassadors and their wives from several Arab and Muslim countries in Vietnam attend the Eid al-Fitr celebration in Hanoi on March 31, 2025. (Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy)

As the crescent moon appears and the call to prayer rings out, Muslims in Vietnam, like their peers across the globe, embrace the values of forgiveness, charity, and peace. 

On the last day of March, a celebration of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", organized in the heart of Hanoi by the Saudi Arabian Embassy and several other Arab countries, took place in a joyful atmosphere. It was an opportunity for international friends and Vietnamese people to gain a deeper understanding of Eid al-Fitr.

(Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy)

Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy said that Eid al-Fitr, one of the two most important holidays for Muslims, is the holiday of forgiveness.

“"Eid al-Fitr reminds us that, despite our differences, we all share the hope of a future built on harmony and mutual understanding. While celebrating Eid al-Fitr, we must not forget the suffering of Palestinians and the pain of humanity in every crisis around the world. This holiday offers an opportunity to resolve conflicts worldwide. Let’s pray for peace and stability across the globe, promoting dialogues and peaceful coexistence among nations and cultures," said the Saudi Arabian diplomat.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy and his wife at the event. (Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy)

Although the celebration activities vary in each country, the festival universally features family reunions, communal prayers, gift exchanges, festive meals, new attire, and respects paid to ancestors, said Dr. Hiba Mostafa Mahros, the Ambassador’s wife.

She said, "There are many similarities between Vietnam’s traditional Tet and the Eid celebrations in Islam, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Vietnamese people, like us, enjoy gathering with family and relatives, returning to their hometowns for family reunions, giving lucky money to children, and so on during these occasions."

Open House atmosphere (Photo: Hong Nhung)

For Malaysian Muslims, Eid Al-Fitr, or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is a significant celebration of community and culture, marked by the joyful tradition of an “open house.”

This year, the Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, Dato' Tan Yang Thai, warmly welcomed guests to his residence to celebrate this festive occasion together. “For Malaysians abroad, if there is an embassy or a consulate, usually they will organize an open house. It’s for those people who didn’t have a chance to go home. Malaysians can come and celebrate together in our Rumah Malaysia,” Mr. Dato' Tan Yang Thai told VOV.

At the heart of Hari Raya Aidilfitri are the delicious foods that play a vital role in the festivities. The open house in Hanoi offered a delectable showcase of Malaysia’s traditional festive dishes.

The Malaysian ambassador continued, “Please enjoy our cuisine. It is important to celebrate together after one month of fasting, so we are very happy to also share our food with Vietnamese guests.”

Among the array of dishes, the star attraction was undoubtedly ketupat, a rice dumpling wrapped in woven palm leaves that symbolizes purity and spiritual renewal.

Mohd Azlan Bin Mohd Safwan, a counselor at the Malaysian embassy, likened this dish to a favorite during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. “This is like Banh Chung, but in Malaysia, we call it ketupat. Yes, we have it here as well,” said Safwan.

Satay - Grilled meat (Photo: Hong Nhung)

Guests were also treated to satay, a popular grilled meat dish served with peanut sauce, and some traditional Malaysian biscuits. Among them was kueh siput, or snail biscuits, infused with curry leaves and herbs, and simpul kaseh, a crispy snack made with dried fish.

Zaki Ghani, a council at the Malaysian Embassy, described, “Simpul means tie. Kaseh is love. It comes from the spring roll skin. We put in dried fish, and make it very fine first. We put some spice inside. And then we tie it. So it's called simpul kaseh or we tie with love.”

Simpul Kaseh - Malaysia traditional biscuits (Photo: Hong Nhung)

The celebration was also marked by a display of traditional attire. Guests dress in elegant Malaysian garments that reflect the importance of attire in Muslim festivities. Men wore the traditional baju melayu, complemented by the songkok, while women donned the graceful baju kurung. The diversity of clothing styles represented Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry.

“There are two types of baju melayu. Some have five buttons, while others, like my colleague’s, have only one button, since he is from the south,” said Zaki.

As guests enjoyed the event and learned about Malaysian customs, the open house succeeded in its mission: to bring people together.

Safwan told VOV,  “For us, Eid is when we welcome people. We serve our friends and colleagues with our food, with love.”

Sara Mohammed Dahlwy (L) and her friend at the celebration (Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy)

For children like Saudi girl Sara Mohammed Dahlwy, what she expects from Eid al-Fitr is something special, playing with her peers, or just staying at home and celebrating.

“I expect for more of this festival. As a child, we usually get lucky money because sometimes when you get older, you don't get any more. Then for money, you can save it for something special, or you can buy some toys with it,” said Sara.

The Eid al-Fitr celebrations organized by the Saudi Arabian and Malaysian embassies in Hanoi have shown us the richness of Arab and Muslim cultures and an interesting way to forge closer community bond.