In Malaysia's Perak, traditional lamps light up Eid celebrations

IPOH, Malaysia (MNTV) — In Kampung Pasir Puteh, in Malaysia’s northern state of Perak, preparations for Eid al-Fitr, or Hari Raya, began weeks in advance, reports CNA.

For 67-year-old retiree Jasmi Daud and his family, that started with a trip into the forest to cut buloh – Malay for bamboo – by hand.

The bamboo forms the backbone of their pelita panjut, traditional oil lamps commonly seen in villages during Ramadan and Hari Raya.

The practice has been passed down through generations.

“My late father started it as a passion project. Wherever he was, he would always put up the lamps,” he told CNA.

“And now, it’s continued by his children and grandchildren. It is not compulsory, but it feels like something we must do. Otherwise, it doesn’t feel like Hari Raya.”

Back home, the family got to work. Bamboo was shaped into structures ranging from simple huts and cars to more elaborate designs such as mosques and pagodas.

The lamps are typically made using tin cans filled with kerosene and fitted with a wick, before being tied onto the bamboo frames.

As the sun set, residents gathered to break fast together, sharing food and conversation.

Then, as darkness fell, the lamps were lit one by one.

Lighting pelita is a long-standing tradition in villages across Malaysia. Once used to guide people home in the dark, they have since become a symbol of warmth, community and the festive spirit.