To our Muslim friends, it’s only a few days left until Raya! At the time of writing, Raya is expected to fall on April 10 (subject to change) and the announcement is scheduled for Tuesday night (April 9).
Parts of the residents in Yogjakarta, Indonesia, however, are celebrating the season much earlier than the rest of the world.
They are celebrating Raya today (Friday, April 5)!
According to a viral TikTok clip which was originally shared by @updatedisini, residents of Gunung Kidul, Special District Yogyakarta are seen marching to the Aolia Mosque to perform prayers for Raya.
They’re celebrating Raya 5 days in advance than all Muslims in the world
CNN Indonesia reported that the head of the religious office in the district, Jauhar Mustofa had spoken to the management of the mosque about the Raya celebration, and the people in the district also started fasting earlier than expected – on March 6.
Muslims around the world started fasting on March 12 this year.
However, in their case, Jauhar told CNN Indonesia that the management of the mosque has its own beliefs about Ramadhan and Raya.
“They have their own principles and arguments about Ramadhan and Raya, which the residents in the area are convinced about.”
In previous years, the residents in the area also celebrated Raya a day or 2 earlier but this year, the gap is significant.
“We cannot enforce the rules used by the government,” Jauhar added.
For this reason, the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion initiated an approach with the leaders of the Aolia Mosque Congregation to maintain friendship and conduciveness.
You can watch the clip below.
Watch on TikTok
The residents there may have their arguments about the date of the celebration and as for us, it’s wise to follow the fixed date for Raya, which is expected to fall next week.
