Mid Term Test

The Sweet Tradition of Making Nastar: A Key Part of Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations

Arya Nara Sukma – Sunday, 9 April 2023

      some people have made nastar cakes to prepare Eid Al-Fitr(Picture taken by Arya) Depok

 

 

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday that marks the end of fasting. For many families, a key part of the Eid celebration is baking traditional cookies, such as the popular nastar.

To learn more about the process of making nastar and its significance during Eid, I visited the home of Mrs. Budi, a resident of Depok, Indonesia. Mrs. Budi has been baking nastar for over 15 years, and generously agreed to share her expertise and family recipe.

As we began the process of making nastar, Mrs. Budi explained that the cookie has deep cultural and religious significance in Indonesia. "Nastar is a symbol of unity and togetherness, as it is often baked and shared among family, friends, and neighbors during Eid," she said. "It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year."

The process of making nastar is time-consuming and requires skill and patience. Mrs. Budi showed me how to mix the dough, which includes flour, sugar, egg yolks, and butter, and explained the importance of achieving the right consistency. "The dough should be smooth and not too sticky, so that it can be easily shaped into small balls," she said.

After shaping the dough, we filled each ball with a small amount of homemade pineapple jam, which gives the nastar its signature sweet and tangy flavor. Mrs. Budi demonstrated how to pinch the edges of each ball to create a star-shaped cookie, and then carefully placed them on a baking sheet.

As the cookies baked in the oven, Mrs. Budi shared some of her fondest memories of making nastar during Eid. "I remember baking with my mother and grandmother when I was a child, and now I am passing down this tradition to my own children and grandchildren," she said. "It is a way to honor our culture and connect with our loved ones during this special holiday."

In conclusion, making nastar is a beloved and time-honored tradition for many Muslim families during Eid al-Fitr. Whether baked with family members or shared with neighbors, the sweet and symbolic cookie is sure to bring joy and happiness to all who enjoy it.