Tapping into Raya retro theme

From mailing greeting cards to playing traditional games and perusing textiles, shoppers are in for a treat

AS Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, Klang Valley’s malls transform into enchanting realms that echo and celebrate time-honoured traditions which showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

Families − in preparation for the festivities − are drawn to these vibrant hubs, not only to shop but to revel in the festive atmosphere that each mall uniquely encapsulates with distinctive themes.

Embark on a sensory journey through the festooned halls and soak in the essence of the season.

Echoes of local heritage

Visitors to 1 Utama shopping centre playing traditional games like congkak at Rumah Tiang 12.

At 1Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya, visitors can look forward to an ideal break from the bustling cityscape and bask in the serenity of a kampung nelayan (fishermen’s village).

With the theme of “Hikayat Sang Perantau,” elements like wayang kulit, perahu kolek, wau bulan and congkak for visitors to play with are incorporated into this year’s Raya decorations, celebrating the rich traditions and craftsmanship of the east coast.

At its LG Oval, visitors are transported to a bustling downtown scene, where they are greeted by the majestic Rehal Arch.

A beautifully embellished Rumah Tiang 12 lies at the heart of the setup, a kampung house crafted in the architectural style of the east coast states.

Setia City Mall’s Raya decoration features an elegant Peranakan House.

It is nestled upon a stage shaped like the iconic banyan tree featuring the pohon beringin (weeping fig).

Taking a page from the Peranakan culture, Setia City Mall in Shah Alam integrates and showcases a sophisticated blend of diverse motifs with “Elegant Raya”.

Inspired by the southern region of Malaysia, the Peranakan House at the centre stage is built at a scale close to life-size, with interior decoration pieces reflecting the beauty of cultural fusion in Malaysia.

Before entering the Peranakan House, visitors can stop to admire the display of kebaya at the side of the House, surrounded by large purple orchids that add a touch of beauty and elegance to the ambience.

Sentimental splendour

The Curve in Petaling Jaya engages shoppers and the community in celebrating the long-forgotten custom of mailing Raya greeting cards with the theme “Kiriman Raya”.

Inspired by the historical Pejabat Pos Bukit Rotan, the ground floor is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of shared moments, showcasing the traditional kampung setting.

Over 10,000 Raya greeting cards hang from the ceiling of the Centre Court, adding a touch of nostalgia.

At the Centre Court, visitors can find their own Pos Malaysia service counter, along with a bustling Raya Bazaar and shops that are a retro haven.

Suria KLCC’s Centre Court evokes nostalgia with an idyllic setting featuring a traditional ‘Rumah Kampung’ as the focal point.

Shoppers will be able to send their Raya cards and goodies to their loved ones through the Pos Malaysia mailbox and courier services on weekends.

Meanwhile, Suria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur aims to bring the kampung closer to visitors by offering a taste of the idyllic experience to city dwellers.

Nestled within a tropical garden setting stands a traditional “Rumah Kampung” elevated on stilts, creating a focal point steeped in nostalgia.

Aligning with the theme “Warisan Anyaman”, the kampung house highlights woven textures, featuring traditional crafts like baskets, hand fans, and trays to honour Malaysia’s cultural pride in the age-old craft.

At KLCC’s Esplanade, a visually captivating 18m-tall pelita (lamp) with woven textures on its panels stands tall, lighting the cityscape at night.

Shoppers can mail their greeting cards at the Pos Malaysia service counter, as over 10,000 Raya greeting cards hang from the ceiling of The Curve’s Centre Court.

The Exchange TRX joins the journey of transporting visitors to the kampung, with the theme “Magnificence of Raya”.

The Central Exchange features a grand kampung house, a stunning manifestation of traditional Malay architecture, design and motifs.

Malaysian batik designs are seamlessly integrated into each decoration piece, inspired by the natural beauty of the country and intricately imbued with floral motifs, prominently featuring the national flower bunga raya (hibiscus).

Surrounding the kampung house is a floral garden lined with giant mechanical flowers that mimic the gentle sway in the wind, an ode to Malaysia’s natural landscape.

Wonder of colours

Over at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the mesmerising display of colours for “Rimba Raya” transforms the mall’s Centre Court into a forest of vibrant hues.

Visitors can experience a lush greenscape as they stroll through a forest adorned with vibrant-coloured fluttering butterflies.

Adding an element of fun to the festivities, visitors can anticipate an array of unique interactive decorations awaiting them at the Centre Court.

IOI City Mall incorporates a kaleidoscope of colours in the decorations, representing the multi-racial harmony of Malaysia.

Capture mystical moments and indulge in the fun with friends and families at the Cool Mystree, where mist-filled bubbles emerge periodically as well as at the Blooming Scentsation, where giant animated flowers bloom to echo the hand movements of visitors standing below.

Amplifying the joy of Raya with “Ceria Raya”, IOI City Mall in Putrajaya incorporates a kaleidoscope of colours in their decorations, representing the multi-racial harmony of Malaysia.

A harmonious fusion of neon lights and pastel hues adorns the edifice at the east court, creating an enchanting and picturesque setting.

A crescent moon takes centre space in the structure, marking the beginning of bright and joyous Raya celebrations.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur shines bright for its ‘Radiant Raya’ celebration, capturing the beautiful history of Malay textiles, culture and crystals.

Similarly, Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur brightens up the mall with pops of colour for this year’s Hari Raya festivities with “Retro Pink Raya”.

Inspired by popular colours in the ’80s and ’90s, vibrant floral decorations and retro pieces infuse the mall with a burst of energy to welcome visitors for Hari Raya.

The centrepiece of the Centre Court features a full-sized traditional wooden kampung house, an icon that is deeply engraved in Malaysian culture, in vibrant pastel pink-themed decor.

Bazaar bliss

Adding to the Raya festivities is Sunway Malls’ “Gaya Riang Raya” celebrations.

Sunway Putra Mall joins in the Raya festivities with its Moroccan souk-style bazaar at GF Main Concourse.

Intricate Islamic motifs and sacks of dried spices adorn the concourse while Moroccan carpets line the wall, transporting visitors to the bustling markets of Morocco.

At the heart of the concourse stands a magnificent Moroccan house, with a glowing LED crescent at its top.

Visitors can wander through an experiential tunnel, where doodle artwork by Nas Suha and elegant pottery art by Cheah Yeow Seng embellish the walls, creating a mesmerising sight.

Sunway Velocity Mall’s bustling traditional bazaar with stylish decorations at the Main Atrium on the Ground Floor.

At Sunway Velocity Mall GF Main Atrium, the vibrant Moroccan-inspired bazaar comes alive with booths adorned in intricate designs and vibrant fabrics, providing picturesque backdrops for photo opportunities.

Central to the bazaar is a structure decorated with Moroccan tapestry and vines of flowers on its pillars.

Booths and pushcarts are set up within the Main Atrium to enhance shoppers’ experience.

Adopting the same theme as other Sunway Malls, Sunway Pyramid’s Orange Concourse is decorated in an array of resplendent shades resembling a modern souk or marketplace.

Characterised by intricately designed beige tiles and hibiscus flowers, Sunway Pyramid’s decor features a Moorish-designed arch, creating an artsy marketplace ambiance with flat roofs, desert palms, and carpets.

Inspired by popular colours of the ’80s and ’90s, vibrant floral decorations and retro pieces infuse Berjaya Times Square with a burst of energy to welcome visitors for Hari Raya.

The rich hues of multiple colours represent the various cultures in Malaysia, with the surrounding architecture showcasing the traditional roots of the festivities

Visitors can visit the Gaya Photo Booth to print out photos taken with their loved ones at the Concourse, as keepsake.

Twinkling treasures

Rediscover the beauty of Raya in full dazzle with Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s “Radiant Raya” celebration, capturing the history of Malay textiles and culture besides the beauty of crystals.

Drawing inspiration from the celestial beauty of the night sky, a giant 6m-tall crescent moon display shines bright at the Centre Court, adorned by 1,200 shimmering crystals that sparkle with splendour.

Visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at the stunning crystal decorations around the Centre Court, including four vibrant installations in the shape of an octagon, an emblematic Swarovski symbol.

Visitors can also explore The Local Heritage Fabric Exhibition, featuring an array of national heritage local fabrics, such as batik and songket tenun, styled by participating colleges including UITM Shah Alam, UITM Perak, Raffles College and Taylor’s College.

At the main entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, luxury fashion brand Coach brings its timeless icon to life in the form of a larger-than-life Quilted Tabby bag installation.