malaysia festival

Colourful Celebration in Malaysia
There are many festivals and holidays observed in Malaysia. The diverse cultural and racial mix is evident the variety of observances, of which a few are listed below.
Festivals and Fiestas!
One of the significant characteristics of Malaysian culture is its celebration of various festivals and events. The year is filled with colourful, exhilarating and exciting activities. Some are religious and solemn but others are vibrant, joyous events. One interesting feature of the main festivals here is the ‘open house’ custom. This is when Malaysians celebrating the festival invite friends to come by their homes for some traditional delicacies and fellowship.

Festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri are celebrated mostly in the villages or home towns of the urbanites. Every year, just before the festival, Muslims nationwidebalik kampungor return to their home towns to meet their family and friends. These family reunions are also celebrated during other main festivals in the country. With people decked out in their traditional finery, these festivals are an integral feature of Malaysian society. Here are some of the festivals in Malaysia(dates may vary from year to year as some are based upon the lunar calendar).
Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri)
It is a joyous and important Muslim holiday that is celebrated throughout the Muslim world. It is the end of a month month of fasting and each day is started with children asking their parents forgiveness for anything they have done wrong, before they go to prayers. It is a time for special food, visiting friends and relatives and the children are given gifts of money.
Chinese New Year
It is a very festive time for Malay Chinese and is observed on the first day of the first moon on the Chinese calendar. The date of this celebration will vary from year to year depending on when this time falls on the lunar calendar and usually lasts for about 15 days. Sometimes this event is in January, other times in February, since it follows the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar. It is celebrated with a traditional dinner on New Year's Eve and subsequently continues with visits to family, friends and the honoring of the elderly. Packets of money called ang pow are given away at this time as well.
Wesak Day
In May, is Buddha's Birthday and is considered to be the most important day of the year for Buddhists. This day is celebrated with prayers and incense at the temples with the main celebration being a lantern procession at night.
The birthday of the Yang di-Pertuang Agong
Supreme Head of State, is celebrated on the first Saturday in June and is obeserved as a public holiday. On this day, awards and titles are given by His Majesty to those people who have set themselves apart from other Malays with their service to Malaysia.
Independence Day (now known as National Day)
August 31 and marks the time of Malaysia's independence. It is observed with parades, exhibitions, shows and free film admission for children. Those less fortunate in Malaysia (the poor) are presented gifts of money and food.
Deepavali
It is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, particularly that of Lord Kirshna over a demon king (mythological). It is observed with prayers in the morning, followed with visits to friends and relatives with delicacies served. In the evening, lanterns are lit.
Christmas
It is celebrated by the Christians in Malaysia usually with the attendance of a church service on Christmas Eve. There are also carolers who sing at various places (children's homes, retirement homes, hotels, etc) and bring Christmas joy. The exchange of gifts is practiced as well in celebration of Christ's birth.
Thaipusam – January
The sights and sounds of thousands of devotees carrying kavadis, or ornate frames as penance makes this an extraordinary festival to witness at the Batu Caves in Selangor, or in Penang
Malaysia Water Festival - April to May
All over Malaysia, visitors can enjoy an entire month of water-based activities and have a splashing good time participating in a host of aquatic sports.
Tadau Ka’amatan - 30-31 May
Thanksgiving is offered to the spirit of the padi, Bambaazon, by the KadazanDusun in Sabah. Abundant rice wine or tuak, delicious food, dancing and other festivities take place as part of the celebrations.
Colours of Malaysia - May to June
This event kicks off with a colourful parade displaying the diversity of Malaysian culture through music and dance.
Gawai - 1 – 2 June
The Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh in Sarawak celebrate this harvest festival where traditional ceremonies and dances are held in various ‘long houses’ or communal homes around the state.