On the 5th of October 2014, Malaysian students of Volgograd State Medical University celebrated Eid Adha or the Great Day of Sacrifice. Eid Adha is a Muslim festival which commemorates the willingness of the Islamic prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of obedience to God. The celebration this year was organized by 4th year students. The event which was held at Hiroshima Hostel started at 10 in the morning. Malaysian students of all courses wore their colorful traditional clothes and had come to enjoy the celebration together with their curators Mr. Vladislav Goncharenko and his wife together with Mrs. Nina Arseevna.

Just like other celebrations, there were singing and dancing by the talented future doctors of VSMU. Some students sang Raya songs while being accompanied by a live band. A selection of classic favourites such as “Dendang Perantau” and the more jolly “Suasana Hari Raya” mixed with newer songs like “Anugerah Syawal” didn’t fail to entertain guests and keep them on their toes.

A variety of games and quizzes were also prepared by the organizers, challenging the knowledge of our future doctors with Raya theme questions. Guests also had the chance to have a taste of traditional Malaysian dish, complimentary of the best cooks of the 4th course students.

All and all, the event went on successfully and well according to plan. Hopes are that students continue to strive in handling such projects in the future and keep on bringing out the Malaysia in them, making us feel at home no matter where we are.

Nazurah binti Puasa, 4th year student, General Medicine