A family in Gombak passes down Raya sharing tradition, spreading unity, kindness and cultural respect across generations

CELEBRATING a festival is not only about creating a joyful atmosphere at home, but also about sharing love and culture with those around us.

In a Threads post, user @weenatease shared that their family has been practising the tradition of sharing Hari Raya dishes with their Chinese neighbours since 2009.

Now based in Gombak, the family has taken a step further by passing this custom on to the next generation. This year, they allowed their children to take the lead, ensuring the tradition continues as part of their family’s Raya celebrations.

“This year, we stepped back and let our children take the lead because values like kindness, cultural respect and shared humanity are not taught through words. They are lived consistently until they become part of who we are,” the user wrote.

She also shared that although her mother has passed away, her spirit of caring for others continues to live on through the family.

The heartfelt post resonated with many netizens, who praised the family as “sweet” and expressed joy at seeing such efforts to uphold unity in a multiracial society.

“Good to see the way you have taught the children. It’s our culture — keep it up. We used to share during festive seasons back then,” commented @jenho66.

Another user, Boon San, reflected on the past, saying, “I have not seen this kind of harmonious scene for a long time, since the 1970s. It used to be common to celebrate festivals together in a ‘Muhibbah’ spirit. I hope this tradition of mutual respect and understanding continues for generations to come.”

User @lukehaqeem also shared his own experience, saying he has been giving duit Raya to his Chinese neighbours for as long as he can remember.

“The kids were extremely happy. We have to keep this tradition alive,” he said.

Meanwhile, another user expressed nostalgia for simpler times, recalling how she and her siblings used to eagerly bring Raya food to their neighbours during childhood.

“But now everyone keeps to themselves. Even our neighbours’ children and grandchildren pretend not to see us when they walk past, and it makes you feel awkward even trying to smile,” she wrote.

She added that it is difficult to blame others when even children within one’s own family behave similarly.

“And you can’t even correct them. Maybe we’re just old-fashioned. I don’t know what the world is coming to these days,” she said.

 The Sun Malaysia