Festivals and celebrations in Malaysia

Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, most of which are either
religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals.
Malaysia. A country where one can experience a multitude of cultural celebrations
and festivals, as well as, and most importantly, good food(!) all year round.
Almost every month of the year, tourists and locals alike immerse themselves in one
celebration or another, thanks to the diverse cultural practices we have.
To help our foreign friends have a better overview of the festivities to look
forward to when visiting Malaysia, and also for the benefit of locals, here is a
list of the monthly cultural celebrations and festivities Malaysia has to offer.
(Note: Some celebrations may vary from year to year as they are based on lunar
calendars.)
Thousands flock to Batu Caves to participate in the Thaipusam Festival.
January
Thaipusam
Celebrated by the Tamil community, the manifestation of Thaipusam is best witnessed
at Batu Caves in Selangor, or in Penang. The jaw-dropping sight of devotees
carrying ornately decorated frames, better known as kavadis, would stay with you
long after you've experienced it; this unique festival is a sight to behold.
February
Chinese New Year
Celebrated worldwide by the Chinese to mark the first day of the New Year in the
Chinese lunar calendar, the celebrations last for 15 days. Expect fireworks, lion
dances, the prominence of the colour red, and open houses with scrumptious Chinese
meals!
Chap Goh Mei, or the 15th night of Chinese New Year, symbolises the end of the
festival. To celebrate the Chinese version of Valentine's Day, young women inscribe
messages or well-wishes on oranges and throw them into lakes or ponds.
April
Good Friday
Held in churches to mark the "saddest day" in the Christian calendar, it is
observed in remembrance of Christs' Passion, crucifixation and death. On the Sunday
that follows Good Friday, Easter Sunday is celebrated to commemorate the
resurrection of Christ.
Malaysia Water Festival
A country with natural settings of lakes, beaches, seas, Malaysia hosts this event
annually with a variety of water-based sports. Activities such as kayaking,
fishing, and cross-channel swimming promises a whole load of adrenaline-pumping
time!
May
Wesak Day
Celebrated by Buddhists to pay homage to Buddha and to mark the three significant
events in Buddha's life (his birthday, enlightenment, and achievement of Nirvana)
the festival begins with meditation and prayers. Donations are made to the poor and
needy.
Harvest Festival
Known to Sabahans as Pesta Ka'amatan, it is a thanksgiving festival to celebrate
the rice harvest. The festivities include traditional sports such as the buffalo
race, the best tapai (rice wine) competition, and the "Unduk Ngadau" or Ka'amatan
Queen Competition.
June
Hari Gawai
The Gawai Dayak is celebrated in Sarawak to mark the end of the paddy harvesting
season. It also marks the beginning of the new planting season, and activities such
as dancing, singing, and a considerable amount of drinking tuak (rice wine) take
place in the longhouses.
Dragon Boat Festival
Known also as the Chang Festival or Duanwu Festival, it commemorates a patriot and
poet in China named Qu Yuan. The best place to witness the celebrations is in
Penang, where the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place on a
grand scale.
Rowers going all out during the annual dragon boat race in Penang.
July
Rainforest World Music Festival
Held in the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village, the annual three-day music
festival is fast becoming the largest musical event in Malaysia. It celebrates the
diversity of world music, while at the same time highlighting the use of
traditional acoustic world instruments.
August
Independence Day
Commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British in
1957, August 31 holds a special place in the hearts of all Malaysians. The biggest
celebration of the event takes place annually at Merdeka Square, or more commonly
known as Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Also known as Hari Raya Puasa, it marks the culmination of Ramadhan, during which
Muslims the world over fast for a whole month. Traditional Malay food such as
rendang, ketupat, and lemang is served. This is also a time to forgive and forget
past quarrels, where family members ask for forgiveness from friends and family
members.
Hungry Ghost Festival
Observed among the Chinese, the festival commemorates the opening of hell's gates
for the spirits from the lower realm to roam freely for a month. Things to note
during the festival are the larger than life papier-mache figures and performances
of Chinese opera and Ko-Tai (energetic singing and dancing with performers in
glittering costumes).
September
Malaysia Day
September 16 commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963,
with the joining of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Fondly known as the Tanglung (Lantern) Festival or the Mooncake Festival, it is
celebrated by the Chinese to mark the end of the harvesting season. Mooncakes are a
must as it also commemorates Chang Er, the moon goddess.
Father and daughter inspecting the hanging Tanglungs (Lanterns).
October
Hari Raya Haji
To commemorate the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, the occasion is marked most
significantly by the conclusion of the annual Haj (pilgrimage to the holy city of
Mecca). Sacrificial-slaughtering, or korban, takes place in mosques, and the meat
is distributed to the poor and needy.
November
Deepavali
Also commonly referred to as Diwali or Festival of Lights, the festival is
significant to all Hindus as it symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Oil lamps
are lit to ward off darkness and evil, and like every other major cultural
festivals in Malaysia, open houses are held.
December
Christmas
A religious festival to mark the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, Christmas in
Malaysia is celebrated like everywhere else in the world. However, Christmas is
also viewed as a universal celebration by many, one that that carries a secular
rather than religious meaning. Even without the traditional "white Christmas", the
celebrations carry on with a kaleidoscope of lights, endless Christmas displays,
and crazy shopping deals for all!