The month of Ramadhan is almost over, meaning that Hari Raya is just around the corner. Not forgetting that we’ve spent the entire fasting month under the Movement Control Order (MCO) that has been ongoing since March this year.
Unfortunately, it seems that we too will be celebrating Raya under this condition as well, even with the recent loosening of rules. This will feel disheartening for most of us who’ve been looking forward to spending quality time with our families back in our respective hometowns, especially when they’re in different states. And this is coming from a guy whose hometown is literally across the South China Sea.
However, it’s all for the best as the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as we know it, is far from over. As the saying goes, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” And the last thing we want is to potentially put our family members at risk.
That said, we could still celebrate Hari Raya with our friends and family, but in ways that respect the practice of social distancing. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can reach out to our loved ones with the devices that we have on hand. Preferably with an internet connection, of course.
Video Conferencing
Most of you might have probably expected this but yes, video conferencing is the way to go. Not only is this method useful to hold company meetings, it’s great to have for organising a family video call as well.
Choices are aplenty, with the likes of WhatsApp, Messenger Rooms, Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom available at your disposal. Thanks to the need for social distancing, these services have made it even easier for people to use in order for them to reconnect with others.
Some have even excluded the need to install an application or register for a new account, therefore allowing invited participants to join the calls simply via a web browser. Moreover, the aforementioned services had also increased the capacity of allowed participants for a video call, with some enabling over 50 individuals to take part in a single session.
Better yet, all of these services are accessible on PC, Macs, smartphones and tablets, thus making it convenient for most users to participate. Especially those who do not own certain devices in their collection.
E-Wallets And Online Banking
Oh, don’t you think you’re out in the clear because CMCO is in effect. Duit Raya is part of the tradition after all!
Present your loved ones with a sincere gift of Duit Raya digitally via e-wallets and online banking. Those that feature eDuit Raya services include Boost and Touch ‘n Go eWallet as well as Maybank2U/MAE, CIMB Clicks, and many more or even via the DuitNow feature that is supported by the majority of banks in Malaysia.
Sure, gifting Duit Raya digitally lacks the charm and the traditional green packet. But it serves its purpose by extending your sincerity and kindness to loved ones, especially the kids.
E-Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are simple, but they are still an appreciated gesture throughout various festive celebrations. Even more so with the availability of e-Greeting Cards which allows you to easily distribute them via email, or private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
There are plenty of websites out there that can provide you with Hari Raya themed e-Greeting Cards that are available for free or otherwise. Some are even animated, giving them a bit more pizzazz.
You could also be creative and create one on your own. If Adobe Creative applications is not your thing, consider utilising your camera to take a nice shot of a Raya themed prop like a ketupat or a lantern to decorate your self-made card. Even a photo of yourself solo or with your closest family members all dressed nicely in your Raya clothes works too. Don’t forget to include your Hari Raya greetings and lay them out nicely. It’s a greeting card, not a meme.
The Non-Digital Approach
What about those who do not have access to the internet, you ask? Well, this is when sincerity and thought really matters. Making a simple phone call or sending a physical greeting card may not be “trendy”, but it will matter a lot to your loved ones. Especially during this festive season.
The Lowyat.net team and I would like to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya. Stay safe always.
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