Stay out of the rain and get your festive shopping done in one place. As Streets continues its Raya bazaar focus, KARINA FOO looks over the wares at a three-storey bazaar.

WITH Hari Raya just two weeks away, many people’s schedules are already weighed down with shopping for edible treats and clothes.

If you want to save yourself from making numerous trips to various places to buy all the goods that you need, you can head over to Hartamas Shopping Centre and save time.

More than 30 stalls have been set up on three floors in an indoor bazaar dedicated to selling Raya goodies.

The ground floor and first floor stalls have everything from traditional Malay and Nyonya to Chinese clothes bedecked with lavish costume jewellery and sequins, available in various colours and sizes.

Baju kurung are available in traditional and modern designs, even slightly translucent ones, but very classy (you’ll still have to wear a tube top underneath).

If you prefer more ostentatious styling, you’re sure to spot a few stalls stocked with glitter-decked wear embellished with sparkles and jewels, perfect for an evening get-together. Prices range from RM50-RM500.

There are also endless selections of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings mostly made from crystals, stones, as well as beads and costume jewellery. Many are very bold and shiny but there are also the smaller ones that make a statement of their own with meticulous cutting and unique shapes.

There are watches framed with finely cut Swarovski crystals in the shape of flowers and leaves. They make charming timepieces and double as elegant bracelets. Prices start at RM10.

There is also attractive footwear, shoes in open or closed-toe types. Most feature the classic Arabian look for men and women. As with the clothes, these are adorned with a variety of patterns.

“It’s such a relaxing atmosphere where you can try as many clothes as you like, and consult the shopkeepers for the kind of jewellery to go with your baju. It’s also indoors so you don’t have to worry about the heat,” said Rosey, who was there with her two children.

She was admiring the little girl frocks and clothes for boys with matching shoes and accessories.

“There is something for everyone and lots of things to see. You don’t have to celebrate Raya to shop here. I just bought a shawl and a few pairs of earrings for myself and a friend,” said Wong Cheng Chew.

If you’re looking for household items, there are ornaments that range from simple sculptures to more resplendent finishings. Most of them are imported from Persia. There are marble and copper plants, flowers and animals — the elephants and giraffes will definitely give your home some regal splendour.

On the second floor, some very kind (and patient) women will show you how ketupat is made, and help you make your own ketupat with ribbons. Nearer to Hari Raya however, be even more challenged as real pandan leaves will be used!

Most people are familiar with what a traditional layer cake (kek lapis) looks like — usually stacked with horizontal layers in two to three colours. This time, (and the first time for many), they are made in ketupat designs — layers placed diagonally and in various directions to create very attractive (and delicious) layer cakes! Flavours available: almond butter, chocolate, rose syrup, Cadbury chocolate, butterscotch and honey. Each big loaf takes up to nine hours to make because of the detail and careful layering involved, so do take time to admire your slice before devouring it.

Moving house or just looking for new items? Also on display are unconventional but practical designs of furniture and artwork suitable for most types of homes. The four-poster sofa-bed is really inviting because of its plush cushions on top of a soft, big mattress.

The bazaar is open 11am-9pm daily until Oct 12 at Hartamas Shopping Centre, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur. For more information, call 03-6201-8353 or 03-6201-6553.