Visitor Guide To Malaysia: Malaysia Hotels, Malaysian, Travel

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Chinese New Year – Chinese New Year is the most important festival celebrated grandly by the Chinese community in Malaysia. It begins from the first day of the first moon on the Chinese calendar and lasts for 15 days.  The date varies from year to year between either January or February depending on when this falls in the lunar calendar.  On the eve of the New Year, family relationships are remembered with a special reunion dinner to usher in the New Year. This is subsequently continued with visits to family, friends and the honoring of the elderly.  Little red packets called ‘ang pow’ are filled with money and given away at this time as well, usually by older, married individuals to younger unmarried individuals. Traditional elements unique to the celebrations include the giving of oranges for good luck, and flowers and kumquat trees to beautify homes for continued happiness. All debts must also be settled before the New Year begins to avoid a debt trap in the new year.  The traditional lion dance is a much loved feature enjoyed during the festival.

Moon Cake Festival - The Mid-Autumn Festival also known as the Moon Cake Festival has its origins during the time of war and oppression in 4th century China. Today, the event is celebrated in Malaysia with colourful lantern processions and consumption of the scrumptious moon cake, which now comes in a wide variety of local flavours, a departure from its traditional beginnings.

Thaipusam - A day for penance and atonement among the Hindu community, the main event is held at the Batu Caves Temple. A striking feature of the festivities is the procession of devotees carrying ‘kavadi’ or wooden structures with spikes and metal hooks pierced into their bodies.

Wesak Day. the most auspicious day in the Buddhist calendar marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is marked by prayers, offerings, chanting and alms giving and also the releasing of doves and tortoises at temples.

Deepavali. - the Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of good over evil for the Hindus. Celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar, the celebration is observed with prayers in the morning, followed by visits to friends and relatives. Malaysians of other faiths visit their friends of Hindu faith to extend good wishes and to partake in the feasting and enjoyment on this festive occasion. A significant aspect of the festivities is the adornment of Hindu homes with lights or oil lamps, to signify the triumph of good over evil, and thus light over darkness.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri. -  Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous and important Muslim holiday that is celebrated throughout the Muslim world. It is the celebration marking the end of the Muslim month of fasting and abstinence, Ramadan. Hari Raya Puasa in Malaysia officially begins at the sighting of the moon on the eve of the next month on the Muslim calendar, Syawal. Once the first moon of the month of Syawal is sighted the announcement is made to signal the end to the period of fasting and the beginning of celebrations. The following day, children ask parents forgiveness for any wrongdoings before they prayers at the mosque early in the morning. This is followed by a visit to the cemetery to pray for the departed souls of loved ones. Then, it is time for feasting and visiting friends and relatives. Children are also presented with gifts of money on that day.

Gawai Festival – The Gawai, a Harvest festival celebrated by the Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh of Sarawak, is a feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals, traditional music, cock fighting, feasting and games. It is a celebration of unity, aspiration and hope as it marks the end of the rice harvest and ushers in another year of bountiful goodness. During this festival, traditional costumes are the norm and elders perform traditional rites.

Pesta Ka’amatan - This harvest festival of the Kadazan Dusun and Murut folks of Sabah is highlighted by the Magavau ceremony performed by high priests or priestesses in honour of the rice spirit, Bambaazon. Attired in tribal costumes, celebrants indulge in feasts and drinking homemade rice wine while a host of activities such as cultural performances and traditional competitions are lined up including the favourite Harvest Queen beauty pageant.

Festa de San Juang and Festa de San Pedro -Both festivals are celebrated around July, by the Portuguese community in Malacca. The Feast of Saint John the Baptist is observed by wearing green clothing and lighting candles in their homes in the evening. The more renowned Feast of St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, is commemorated with public and tourist participation in events such as boat decoration, cultural performances and float procession as well as indulging in an abundance of Portuguese culinary delights.

Christmas. – decorations, caroling and partying are major features of the celebrations.