KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — It’s the season of forgiveness and celebration as Raya inches closer and shopping malls across the Klang Valley are all geared up towards a memorable Eid al-Fitri.
Despite the back-to-back festivities this year in Malaysia with celebrations happening almost every month since January, these local malls didn’t hold back when it comes to showcasing local cultures.
From gigantic Pelita and Ketupat models to giant crescent moon hanging from above and themes celebrating local heritage and culture, here’s a look at this year’s Raya decorations at Klang Valley malls.
Some of the featured local fabrics at Pavilion KL’s Spanish Steps. — Picture by Firdaus Latiff
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
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For Raya this year, Pavilion KL has partnered with jewellery brand Swarovski in turning their centre court into a sparkling venue.
This includes decorating the area with four octagon-shaped crystal decorations as well as having a giant crescent moon along with stars hanging at the centre of the mall.
Visitors can also admire the shimmering dress studded with over 83,000 Swarovski crystals designed by local designer Rizalman Couture being displayed at the centre court.
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Leading to the centre court, their Spanish Steps are decorated with a Malay textile and heritage exhibition. It features an array of local fabrics from songket tenun to batik, styled by students from UITM Shah Alam, UITM Perak, Raffles College and Taylor’s College.
The Local Heritage Fabric Exhibition is in partnership with fashion designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill and Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah, the royal patronage of Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah.
Aside from that, visitors are greeted with a larger-than-life installation of Coach’s Quilted Tabby bag installation at the main entrance as part of their Bespoke Ramadan pop up designed with decorative motifs such as stars and crescent moon in quilted patterns.
It’s a celebration of batik at The Exchange TRX. — Picture courtesy of The Exchange TRX
The Exchange TRX
Going with the theme The Magnificence of Raya, The Exchange TRX is welcoming guests with the beauty and elegance of batik, featuring designs inspired by floral motifs headlined by the national flower, Bunga Raya.
The decorations also include giant mechanical flowers that mimic the gentle sway of the wind, an ode to Malaysia’s natural landscape.
The TRX City Park will also be the home to their giant installation inspired by a dish most synonymous with Raya which is the ketupat.
Their campaign which will run until April 21 includes a variety of cultural performances such as Joget Rakyat, Silat, Tarian Layang-Layang and Wayang Kulit, all taking place at the Central Exchange on the ground floor.
The 60-feet pelita installation at Suria KLCC lights up the Esplanade KLCC area. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Suria KLCC
As for iconic shopping destination Suria KLCC, their centre court has been transformed into a distinctive Malaysian garden decorated with bougainvillaeas, palm trees and other tropical foliage and blooms.
At the centre stands a traditional rumah kampung elevated on stilts while the backdrop is adorned with traditional woven crafts such as baskets, hand fans and trays.
The festive atmosphere is further heightened by the giant 60-feet pelita (lamp oil) installation at the Esplanade KLCC which is covered with intricate artistry of anyaman (hand-woven).
This Raya season, Suria KLCC has partnered with Kraftangan Malaysia to host activities such as craft demonstration and craft Interactive sessions at the centre court.
Aligned with their dedication to mental health awareness, shoppers who participate in the activities can purchase the Suria Ribbon Pin (priced at RM10) and receive a batik mask. Proceeds will be directed to support an NGO of their choice.
1 Utama’s theme this year is ‘Hikayat Sang Perantau’. — Picture via Instagram/1Utama
1 Utama
This Raya, 1 Utama is bringing the east-coast culture with their Hikayat Sang Perantau theme.
Their centre court is transformed into a kampung nelayan (fisherman’s village) while a wayang kulit theatre awaits visitors at their LG Oval level.
Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the workmanship of the Wau Bulan from different regions in Malaysia and catch a showcase of local puppetry.
Their kampung nelayan comes with a jetty and shops filled with handicrafts and culinary delights. A 15 feet Perahu Kolek help to bring the coastal village to life.
Sunway Pyramid has gone with the theme ‘Gaya Riang Raya’. — Picture courtesy of Sunway Pyramid
Sunway Pyramid
Taking on a different approach, Sunway Pyramid has gone with a Moroccan-inspired concourse to liven up the season.
Going with the theme Gaya Riang Raya, Sunway Pyramid’s Orange Concourse is decorated with radiant shades to resemble a modern souk or marketplace commonly found in Northern Africa and Middle-East regions.
Characterised by intricately designed beige tiles and the hibiscus flower, Sunway Pyramid’s decoration begins with a Moorish-designed arch, transporting visitors to an artsy marketplace complete with flat roofs, desert palms and carpets.
The multiple colours on their decorations aim to represent the various cultures in Malaysia while the surrounding architecture pays homage to the traditional roots of the festivity.
Shoppers can browse through the various offerings from brands such as Getha, Montigo, Rimba and Shins at the concourse itself.
