Balik kampung ! Kampung Manchester that is. Although miles away from Malaysia, the close-knit family of MSSM and MALECS collaborated to make raya away from home a festive one. Vibrant colors of baju melayu and baju kurung filled up Platt Fields Park to celebrate raya together with food from our sponsor, Chilli Tales.
Over 100 participants came to feast on the traditional raya dishes, accompanied by songs and a special performance by our saxophonist, C-Lau who played instrumental versions of the raya tunes that we all know and love. Nasi Impit, Kuah Kacang and Rendang Ayam were given as appetizers while a combo of Nasi Minyak with Kari Ayam were given to complete the bargain that participants receive for a mere fee of £4 for members, and £6 for non-members. That is what the ‘mat-sallehs’ would call a daylight robbery, but as long as it makes our attendees happy then both MSSM and MALECS are more than happy to call it a fair deal. At the end of the day, it is the welfare of Malaysians here in Manchester that is of utmost importance to us. Not to forget the raya-themed cakes that were fully sponsored by Chilli Tales to make the celebration even more special.
With this, we hope that this tradition of raya celebration can be maintained for as long as there are Malaysians here in Manchester. Raya away from family can be a bit sad but if we practice one of the core value of raya which is unity within a community, we can make raya celebration here as eventful with the big Manchester family.
Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
7 May 2022
mssmanchester.co.uk 