Raya is a celebration of unity, connection, and joy. Why not incorporate those values into team building activities this year? Introducing Raya-themed activities in the workplace not only spreads holiday cheer but also reinforces team spirit, encourages collaboration, and forges lasting memories.
Here are 15 enjoyable, interactive, and inclusive Raya-themed team building activities:
1. Raya Potluck
Invite members to bring in their favorite dishes from Raya to share. This creates appreciation of different cultures and enforces workplace bonds over delicious food.
How to make it work: Have a sign-up list to ensure an equal mix of old and new dishes. Apply categories like “Most Nostalgic Dish” or “Best Fusion Masterpiece” for a playful twist.
2. Raya Costume Contest
Make workers dress up their finest Raya attire in a fashion contest. This activity adds some celebratory flavor and respects cultural heritage.
How to make it work: Offer prizes for “Most Traditional,” “Most Creative,” “Best Group Outfits,” and “Most Unexpected Color Combo” categories.
3. Raya TokTok: TikTok Challenge
Instead of a traditional performance competition, require teams to create short, humorous TikTok clips on a Raya theme. It could be a skit of balik kampung headaches, a makeover, or a funny take on old-style family reunions.
How to do it:
Set a planning and filming time limit.
Provide traditional props like baju raya, songkok, or kuih raya.
Post on the company’s social media and let the employees vote for the best one.
4. Guess the Kuih: Blind Taste Test Challenge
If you want a game that creates laughter and curiosity, this sensory challenge will help. The participants are blindfolded and must try to guess what kuih raya they are eating. Some kuih have surprise twists—sugar-free, extremely spicy, or mixed flavors.
5. Cousins vs. Aunties: Raya Roast Battle
Have a lighthearted debate where two teams engage in makciks and pakciks against Gen Z cousins. Topics can be:
“Is crispy rendang really a thing?”
“Does duit raya have to be age-based or salary-based?”
“You packed your whole house for a three-day trip?”
“You’ve been sitting there so long, I thought you were part of the decor!”
“Bro, why is your Raya outfit so expensive? You tryna celebrate or get married?”
How to do it: Two teams submit three-minute arguments in writing. The voters for the winning argument select a “Raya Debate MVP” team.
6. Office Raya Gossip: Two Truths & A Lie
This game encourages storytelling, humor, and bonding without requiring physical activity.
Everyone generates two real and one imaginary office-related Raya “stories” (e.g., “Last year, the boss distributed RM50 duit raya to everyone”).
Others have to attempt to identify which one is the lie.
7. Raya Filter Insta Booth
Design a trendy Raya photo booth with props and customized AR filters for employees to capture celebratory photos.
How to make it happen:
Design a limited-edition Raya filter with the company logo.
Organize a photo contest with rewards like “Best OOTD” or “Most Awkward Family Pose.”
Reward creative submissions with special Raya-themed rewards.
8. Netflix Watch Party: Raya Edition
Organize a throwback film night with nostalgic Raya films like Sepet or Mukhsin, accompanied by live comments and meme-sharing.
How to do it:
Use Discord for remote employees.
Take a “Most Relatable Character” survey at the end.
Invite workers to come dressed in their pajamas for a cozy, easy-going experience.
9. Tolong! Rumah Terbakar: Raya Crisis Simulation
Test crisis management with a fun simulation where groups must “save” a Raya open house from unexpected disasters. For example, like a blackout, a missing rendang, or an unexpected in-law visit.
How to make it work: Act out as Ketua Kampung, Makcik Gossip, and CEO of Rendang. Whoever is the most creative problem-solver gets a “Raya Hero” title.
10. Selamat Hari RAYA-lette: The Mystery Wheel Game
A roulette wheel that decides teammates’ fates. Some get rewards; others get absurd challenges.
How to do it:
Rewards: Duit raya, extra food, a “Golden Pass” to get out of doing a task.
Challenge idea: Sing a Raya song solo, wear oversized baju Melayu, or perform a dramatic monologue about kampung life having been missed.
11. Tolong! Rendang Hilang: The Detective Game
The Raya rendang has been robbed. Teams must rush and search for clues, interrogate “suspects,” and solve the mystery before time runs out.
How to make it happen: Set up a crime scene with clues like a santan packet that was dropped, a half-cooked lemang, and a spoon that is missing.
The team that solves the mystery first wins a rendang feast.
12. Raya ASMR: Fun Quiet Sound Challenge
Players close their eyes and listen to sounds linked to Raya. It can be fireworks, food sizzling, gamelan music, traffic, weaving ketupat. The team or individual must choose the right sound.
Why introverts will love it: A soothing, sensory challenge with no big group interaction.
13. Virtual Kampung Postcard: The Secret Mission
Everyone sends a Raya greeting but includes a secret challenge for the receiver, e.g.:
“Selamat Hari Raya! I challenge you to wear green tomorrow.”
“Hope you have a great celebration! Get a kuih you’ve never tried before.”
Cards are shuffled and distributed haphazardly. Players have to get their covert mission done by the end of the day—but they can’t share with anyone what it is. At the end, individuals try to surmise each other’s missions using vague hints.
14. Kuih or Dare: The Raya Roulette Game
You pick a kuih from a tray that has a lid on it. Some kuih have challenge stickers underneath. If yours has a sticker, you must perform a fun dare, for instance:
Mild dare: Share with us your favorite Raya memory.
Funny dare: Perform a five-second dramatic balik kampung skit.
Creative dare: Mimic the sound of lemang sizzling using only your voice.
If your kuih does not have a sticker, you’re in the clear. A special kuih permits you to choose someone else to do the dare for you.
15. Raya Squid Game: The Quiet Elimination Challenge
A Squid Game game that is not violent and Raya-friendly. It is a game of movement, focus, and patience. Players go through elimination rounds:
Round 1: “Eid Mubarak Freeze.” When the music stops, you all must freeze. If you’re moving, you’re out.
Round 2: “Silent Ketupat.” Teams must tie a ketupat in silence without talking. If you’re caught talking, you’re out.
Round 3: “Sampul Duit Snatch.” Players blindfolded must pick up a sampul duit without touching others. If they touch each other, they’re out.
The last person standing wins a golden sampul duit with a surprise prize!
Raya is all about belonging, but team building doesn’t have to be the same old tired icebreakers.
Regardless if your team is a high-energy crew or more laid-back, these Raya-themed team building activities enable everyone to connect, rejoice, and get into the holiday spirit in their own way.
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