Eidul fitri or Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration of victory for the accomplishment for fasting during the month of Ramadhan and overcoming personal struggles. It is also the time for forgiveness and reunion for family and friends.
On the 3rd of May, the students association of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability, known as CHESTA had organised a “makan makan” celebration for students, academicians, technicians and supporting staffs of the department at Audi B, E2 building from 11.00 am to 2 p.m. The event was coordinated after the Mentor-Mentee session by the Academic Advisor, Dr. Azlin Azmi. It was a homeroom meeting of supervisees and a lecturer to get together to catch up on academic and life issues in the university. Dr Azlin briefly talked about the study plan to the students and advised them to always engage with their supervisors for help and mentorship.
Mentor-Mentee session by Dr Azlin Azmi
The hall was beautifully decorated with vintage Malay style to embrace the nostalgia of the past in the 60 and 70s where Arabic writing known as jawi was widely used in public notice and signage. The decoration integrate brown muslin fabric with handwritten words of Selamat Hari Raya in retro pattern and texture. Kain batik, paper fans and bamboo lanterns were put as display to infuse the space with this nostalgic feeling.
We are a team of five, namely Naim, Aqiel, Azri, Sabihah and Hanisah had planned and organised this at least two weeks before the event. We arranged the display and decor in the hall, the day before the event with the help of other CHESTA members. We wanted to create a nostalgic feeling from the past to bring the mood of celebration, unification and gratitude in joyous mode and merriment – as in the 60 and 70s. It was the time before the internet and technology, where people were much engage in persons, social meetings and functions.
This event is also open to bring the lecturers, departmental staffs and students together, to interact and to get to know each other while enjoying scrumptious Malay traditional food and local favorites such as lemang, nasi hujan panas, ayam masak merah, kuih muih like karipap, koci and pulut panggang as well as laksa Sarawak. Much of the food came from potluck dishes from the lecturers.
Lecturers and students have good quality time together while enjoying their Raya food.
The turnout was remarkable, with almost 150 students and 35 staff members from the department in attendance. The event was also open to other department staff and Heads of Departments (HODs), promoting cross-departmental connections and mutual understanding. The festive spirit was further elevated by attendees showcasing their best attire and dresses, culminating in the presentation of “best outfit of the day” awards to honor the most stylish individuals among both lecturers and students. Moreover, in the spirit of camaraderie, a lucky draw is held among lecturers and students, each hoping to snag a delightful prize.
As part of the celebration, a photography session captured the joyous moments, preserving memories of this special occasion filled with faith, gratitude, and unity. It was a true testament to the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where shared traditions and communal festivities fostered a sense of belonging and togetherness within our departmental family.
