Residents of Kg Baru, Sri Gading enliven syawal atmosphere with ‘masjid pelita'
BATU PAHAT: Although Syawal will be celebrated in moderation, the residents of Kampung Baru, Sri Gading, near here have decided to celebrate the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a lively atmosphere.
The result is a ‘masjid pelita’ (mosque of lamps) built from 2,021 lamps to decorate the entrance to the village thus enhancing the atmosphere of the ‘village’, especially at night.
One of the residents, Mohd Azam Isnin, 46, said this was the second year that the activity of making this ‘gate of lamps’ next to the entrance, with more lamps used this year compared to last year whereby only 1,500 lamps were used with the same concept.
Mohd Azam, who built the ‘mosque’ with another friend, Nor Ikhwan Nasir, said he used his free time to carry out the activity and was assisted by other villagers.
“We did not expect it to be an attraction especially after it was featured on social media since its completion last Monday.
Many residents from surrounding areas have stopped by to take photographs and take selfies,” he said when met Saturday night.
According to Mohd Azam, although the lamps are an attraction, especially because they are located along the main road connecting Batu Pahat, Ayer Hitam and Kluang, his team ensures that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are complied with.
People who want to enter the area need to take temperature readings, register with the MySejahtera application and are reminded to always practise physical distancing.
Mohd Azam also said the construction of the ‘masjid pelita’ gateway helped the villagers of various ages bond together.
“We want the tradition of making this ‘gate of lamps’ to continue every time before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
It is a symbol of heritage to us and will be a loss if it is not continued especially by the young people,” he added.