Well the keepers of the seal have sighted the new moon and all of a sudden it's the fasting month for millions of Muslims worldwide. In Malaysia from today, Muslims (almost all of Malaysia's majority Malay population) resist temptations of eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours for one full moon cycle. Some other pleasures are also discouraged. They also turn their thoughts to the spiritual and moral, rather than wordly pleasures and business. It is a time of renewal and sacrifice.

That's not to say that those of the Islam faith go starving. The daily evening "buka puasa" (breaking of the fast) is celebrated in family and groups of friends nationwide as the fast finishes as the sun sets and moon rises. Politicians and influential personages also hold "open houses" where the public are invited to break fast with the celebrity. Traditionally the evening breaking of the fast is still a respectful long affair. It usually begins by eating dates, the traditional Rammadan appetiser which is seen as healthy for breaking such a long period of non-ingestion, and slowly builds up to more substantial fare. Not only Muslims, but also other faiths are often invited to these affairs, and it is a real honor to be invited to such.

In the city however, hotels put on large buffet offerings for the faithful or not. These are usually over priced, mainly to get over the loss of income from the previous 12 hours or so. Attendance at one of these is a required experience for foreign visitors. Just before the sun sets, the tables are full of guests staring at bare plates and cutlery, and soft drinks and juices are poured but not consumed.

At the time publicized in the papers for the breaking of the fast that day, usually a huge dong is struck, and suddenly it's all for himself in the rush to the buffet table. Tables close to the buffet are advised.

As always at this time, we try to find the best hotel Buka Puasa spread in Kuala Lumpur. Give me an email and quick review to nominate, and it will be in this place for the remainder of Rammadan. (Of course I will have to try it first to confirm!)

To all our Muslim readers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Pakistan, India the Philippines and other countries we wish you a very holy and satisfying Ramadam. To others, don't pass up the chance to join our friends in celebrating Buka Puasa daily...