Rain on Day 1 of Ramadan couldn’t stop Kelana Jaya residents from flocking to the SS6 bazaar
KELANA JAYA: A heavy downpour on the first day of Ramadan proved no match for the spirit of Kelana Jaya’s residents, who turned out in droves for the neighbourhood’s much-anticipated annual bazaar in SS6 area — undeterred by darkening skies, umbrellas at the ready, and a determination to get their favourite buka puasa spread.
The bazaar held along the stretch near Giant Supermarket in SS6, drew visitors from the early afternoon.
As the crowds began to build, the weather took a turn — first a dim overcast, then a light drizzle that gave way, by around 4pm, to a full-blown downpour.
For most, it barely registered as a reason to leave.
Some unfurled umbrellas mid-stride, others slipped on raincoats, and a handful ducked under the canvas awnings of nearby stalls for temporary shelter before exploring further.
The atmosphere, despite the rain, remained festive and warm and it was easy to see what kept them there.
The bazaar laid out a vivid spread that engaged every sense — the golden sheen of freshly fried kuih pelita, the earthy sweetness of cendol being ladled into cups, the grassy fragrance of freshly pressed sugar cane juice, and the savoury haze of grilled chicken and murtabak drifting through the damp air.
The variety on offer was considerable: laksa, briyani kukus, churros, and even Japanese-style chicken dishes sat alongside more traditional Ramadan staples, reflecting the increasingly eclectic character of Malaysia’s modern Ramadan bazaars.
One stall in particular caught the eye — and more than a few curious glances.
A sign bearing the name “Nasi Ganja” drew a double-takes from passersby unfamiliar with the term.
(For the uninitiated, Nasi Ganja is not what it sounds like — it is a celebrated dish from Ipoh, Perak, its colloquial name coined not for any illicit ingredient but for its famously addictive quality)
The enthusiastic turnout on a rain-soaked first day speaks to something deeper than hunger — it reflects the enduring ritual significance of the Ramadan bazaar in Malaysian life.
For many, the act of walking the stalls, weighing up options, and filling their bags ahead of buka puasa is as much a part of Ramadan as the fast itself.
A little rain, it seems, was never going to change that.
