Tradition
The tradition seems to come from the burst of religious activities held around the village at the last third of the month Ramadan, in hunting for Lailatul Qadar. As the village is not yet equipped with electricity, lamp were used to light up the streets between the house area to the mosque. In some places, competition involving building structures using bamboo build in grand fashion. [4] Public places such as schools are also decorated with lamps. [5]
Some scholars believe the night will fall on 27th Ramadan, eventhough it is debatable. By illuminating the streets, it intentionally done to encourage the effort to wish blessing of the Lailatul Qadar. The lamp also sign the Ramadan is nearing its end, hence reminding individuals to increase their devotion, prayers and reflection. [6]
Among the activities done on this nights are Tahajjud, making dua, and reciting Quran.
Malaysia
Negeri Sembilan
In Kota, Negeri Sembilan, the activity is not limited to lighting up the lamp. In the day, the community will do a gotong royong of preparing dishes such as dodol, rendang, lemang and bubur lambuk. The dish are then being distributed throughout the community. For iftar, makan bersila with the dishes are done at communal space. [7]
Perak
In Ipoh, Perak, the community will use special form of lamp known as pelita panjut that are made from bamboo to light up all the streets in the neighborhood. The activity is not limited to only Malays, but also include the Indians and the Chinese to evoke the spirits of togetherness. The lamp will then be arranged to form words and can be seen from afar. [8]
At Kampung Ribu, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, the kampung are known for having super huge lamp structures build in the form of Masjid. [9] Among the masjid inspired such as Malacca Straits Mosque [10] and Ubudiah Mosque. [11]
Sarawak
In Jepak Sarawak, the night will be glazed with bertuntung tradition which means not only the street are filled with lamps, the houses also are decorated with lamps. The house will be decorated with colorful lamps in different colors to further celebrate throughout the last period of Ramadan. [12]
The house decoration nowadays also include the mixture of LED lamps and building temporay structures such as arches. [13]
Indonesia
Riau
At Moro District, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province, locals have a custom of leaving their doors and windows open. They also turn on the lights as brightly as possible. During the kenduri (celebration), various foods are also prepared, such as wajik cake, bangkit cake, and bahulu cake.
At Daik Lingga, Riau Islands, in addition to installing lights, gate ornaments with Islamic nuances are also created. Various gates are built to enliven this event. The gates are prepared by youths working together several days in advance. The event also features a bamboo cannon game at Hang Tuah Daik Lingga Field. [14]
West Bangka
At Mancung Village, Kelapa District, West Bangka Regency, the Night is also part of the annual cultural festival. [15]
