I love the idea of spending the day out with friends while spending next to nothing - a walk along Waterfront, a jog at Pustaka, an afternoon at the beach or a picnic, just take your pick I'm almost certain to be there. It may not be ideal to be outside in the scorching sunny weather that is Kuching especially when fasting (mild dehydration and stuffs) but still doable. And just this afternoon, I along with a group of friends joined in on a community program aptly named "Sungkei Lua" - a local dialect formally known in Malay as "Berbuka (puasa) di Luar" or English "Breaking of fast outside".
The local Sarawak dialect is a whole different book altogether, but the phrase sungkei lua - sungkei meaning breaking of fast and lua (of luar) meaning outside carries the understanding that one or the group agrees to not break the fast at home and usually at foodcourts, diners or restaurants. This time though, lua is not in the traditional sense where the venue was set at Padang Merdeka - a massive, iconic field smack dabbed in the heart of the city.
The informal event was put together by Fazli and his fellow mates from The Collective (read about them here) and OrgKampong.com (read about them here). I was not able to really interview him in details, but I am under the impression that the inspiration to call up the whole of Kuching to come to Padang Merdeka for the breaking of fast was probably sparked from our neighbour in the peninsular where event of similar fashion has been held before. In any case, kudos to Fazli and his team for taking the initiative. The format was potluck - everyone would bring their own food and sharing is very much welcomed, the dress code was traditional Baju Melayu for boys and Baju Kurung for the ladies.
On a personal note, it was awesome to see Kuchinglites flocking to Padang Merdeka in support of the event. What's even more heart-warming was how friendly we are (yes we, I include myself and my friends too) to each other - Muslims and non-Muslims gathering together and at one point were exchanging food among the different groups! How awesome it is to be living in a city that is Kuching.
But there was that one bit of mentality that pretty much had me and my friends worried and fear for the organisers - some of the less responsible groups brought fireworks - the one that is obnoxiously goes BOOM!! and freaking the life out of everyone - to the event in the hope of "firing things up" and "in the spirit of celebration". Now I'm all game for the spirit of celebration but seriously, annoying fireworks that does nothing but scare you half-dead isn't the way. Plus, it could land the organisers in a heap of trouble too, and may ultimately cause further event of this manner to be dis-allowed or banned altogether! A simple bit of fun for a handful of immature teens, but the rest of us responsible adults are the one paying the price!
But, in any case, the mood was good, the venue was perfect, the weather was fine and all was well. I for one, managed a picture under the gynormous cotton tree that has been part of Padang Merdeka longer that I can even remember! I hope events like this gets put together more often and not just limited to breaking of fast but also other festivities as well!
As usual, the gallery for you to enjoy!
Berblogwalking..Hi there! Sarawakian too here ^^,
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona! (^_^)/
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