Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a special celebration for Muslims in Malaysia. They
celebrate it after fasting for a whole month of Ramadan. Families and friends come together to eat delicious food. Lemang, a special sticky rice cooked in bamboo and ketupat, the yummy rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves. They also love munching on various cookies like kuih tart and kuih semperit. They wear beautiful new clothes called baju kurung and baju Melayu. They also visit mosques to pray and give presents to those in need known as zakat al-fitr. They also say sorry to each other for any mistakes they've made. People greet each other by saying "Selamat Hari Raya!" to wish them a happy Eid. Chinese New Year is a big celebration for Chinese in Malaysia! They celebrate it with lots of excitement and joy. Chinese New Year happens at the beginning of the lunar new year, usually in January or February. There are bright red decorations everywhere! During Chinese New Year, families gather for a special reunion dinner, where they enjoy dishes like steamed fish, dumplings, and sweet rice balls. They also give each other red envelopes filled with money for good luck. They love watching lion and dragon dances. They also play firecrackers and fireworks. They wear new clothes in red and visit relatives to exchange greetings and gifts. It's a time to welcome good fortune and happiness for the coming year. People wish each other "Gong Xi Fa Cai!". Deepavali is a special celebration for Hindus in Malaysia! They celebrate it with lots of lights and happiness. Deepavali usually falls between October and November in the Tamil month of ‘Aippasi’. During Deepavali, families clean and decorate their homes with colourful rangoli patterns and light oil lamps called deepams. They also enjoy delicious snacks like murukku and ladoo. They visit temples to pray and get blessings from the gods.
Families also exchange gifts and share meals
together. They wear new clothes in bright colours like red and gold to symbolise prosperity and happiness. Deepavali is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People wish each other "Deepavali Vazhtukal!" to spread joy and blessings. Christmas is a special time for Christians in Malaysia! They celebrate it with lots of joy and excitement. Christmas happens on December 25th every year. During Christmas, families decorate their homes with colourful lights, shiny ornaments and a beautiful Christmas tree. They also enjoy singing Christmas carols and going to church together.
People exchange gifts with family and friends and
sharing delicious meals like roast turkey. They enjoy sweet treats such as Christmas cookies and fruitcake. Children also believe that Santa Claus will bring them presents if they've been good all year. Christmas is a time for love and kindness. People wish each other "Merry Christmas!". Independence Day or Hari Merdeka is an important day for Malaysians as it marks the country's independence from British colonial rule on August 31st, 1957. It's the time to show love for country and unity. This day is celebrated with grand parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances across the nation. Merdeka square in Kuala Lumpur is famous for the national parade. Malaysians come together to honour the heroes who fought for freedom and to enjoy on Malaysia's success. Wesak Day is special festival for Buddhists in Malaysia. It signifies the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. This day is celebrated with prayers and offerings at temples. People come together to show their respect and love for Buddha. They participate in prayers, meditations and rituals. There will be also some charity events based on the teachings of kindness and peace imparted by the Buddha. Gawai Dayak is a joyous festival celebrated by the Dayak community in Sarawak. It marks the rice harvesting season. This day is celebrated to follow the traditions and culture of the Dayak community. Families gather to pay respect to the spirits of the land. They pray for blessings for a good harvest season. They celebrate the day doing traditional rituals, cultural performances, and feasting. They also sing and dance. Kaamatan Festival is an important harvest festival celebrated by the Kadazandusun people in Sabah. It's a time to say thanks to the rice spirit, Bambaazon, for a successful harvest season. This day includes traditional rituals, cultural exhibitions, agricultural shows and the crowning of the Harvest Festival Queen. It's a joyous occasion for them to come together and celebrate their cultural identity. Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival observed by the Tamil community in Malaysia during January or February. Many people gather at various temples across the country. The famous temple is Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. People express their devotion to Lord Murugan by carrying kavadis and milk pots. The festival is celebrated with colourful chariot processions, vibrant music and people fulfilling their vows and seek blessings from the god. Hari Raya Aidil adha is an important Islamic festival that marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims in Malaysia celebrate by attending special prayers at mosques, sacrificing animals and distributing meat to the less fortunate. People are thankful and grateful for all the blessings from god. This is the time for sharing with others. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is celebrated by the Chinese in Malaysia. They are thankful for the harvest and admire the full moon's beauty. Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, a traditional food, and light lanterns to symbolise unity and prosperity. Children participate in lantern parades and enjoy various cultural activities. It's a time for reunion, appreciation of nature, and sharing wishes for happiness and a long life.