The Hari Raya open house, explained

The open house is one of Malaysia's warmest traditions. For Hari Raya Aidilfitri, families welcome friends, relatives and neighbours into their homes to share food and celebrate together. Tourism Malaysia has hosted international guests to experience Hari Raya in this traditional Malaysian style of open house, including the merewang tradition of communities working together to prepare for a big celebration.

The open house isn't only for Hari Raya — the same spirit runs through Deepavali, Chinese New Year and Christmas in Malaysia.

Sources: Tourism Malaysia — Majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidil Fitri, 2019; Tourism Malaysia — The National Open House, Aidilfitri Raya Merdeka 2013; Tourism Malaysia — Celebrate Raya with great events, 2019; all read 8 October 2026.

Food is the heart of every open house. At the national-level celebration in 2013, Tourism Malaysia's programme featured demonstrations of traditional cooking including dodol, rendang tok and ketupat, alongside traditional cakes and cookies.

Ketupat — rice packed into a woven palm-leaf pouch — is such a symbol of the season that malls have run ketupat-weaving sessions for shoppers to learn the craft.

Malaysia also holds a national-level open house. In 2013 it was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture with the Melaka state government; in 2019 it was held at the Royal Museum in Kuala Lumpur, with crafts, traditional food and cultural activities, and all visitors welcome to take part.

If you're invited to a colleague's or neighbour's open house, a few easy habits help: dress neatly and modestly, greet your hosts warmly, and try a little of everything. It's one of the best welcomes a newcomer to Malaysia can receive.