Events & Festivals

Han Raya Aidilfitri is also known as the The Festival of Charity that symbolizes the end of the fasting month. It falls on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.
On the day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, young one started the day by asking for forgiveness from their parents and the other elders in their family before they proceed to the mosque for prayers.

Apparently most families have open houses that accommodate delicious food and cakes that are specially prepared for the festival are served to everyone who comes to visit.

The Chinese New Year is also known as the “Spring Festival” that celebrates around the globe. In Malaysia, Chinese New Year is celebrated with gaily by all Malaysian Chinese. Traditionally, in New Year’s Eve, every members of the family ought to gather for a home reunion dinner.

This is the event whereby the elderly give away “Ang Pau” to the young one as the form of blessing. Ang Pau, literary is known as red packet that containing money is a form of blessing for prosperity and longevity to the receiver and giver as well. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, a merrily greetings with confident and firm statement are usually exchanged when one meets with relatives or a friends.

Deepavali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness. Thus it is also known as the “Festival of Lights”. In Malaysia Celebration of Deepavali is the most important one for in Indian community.

On the Deepavali eve, women are ought to decorate their dwelling entrance to even dining hall with “rangoli” as a welcome symbolic to their guests. Oil lamps which are also known as “vikku” will be lit in and around the house.

In the sunup of Deepavali, every Malaysian Indian house is usually preoccupied with cakes and fruits that will be consumed and used for visitor are placed on banana leaves.
After the morning preparation, a short ceremony of breaking a coconut will be taken in place for prayers for the whole family. Sweet smelling incense is then burnt adding to the festive mood of the day. Thus a mark made of special dye is then put on every forehead of the children. Each and every member of the family are ought to dress their brand new clothes before proceeds to the temple for prayers.

Thaipusam is one of Hindus festive day where most Hindus honor their Lord Subramaniam (also known as Lord Muruga who symbolizes braveness, kindness and beauty.) on the full moon at the 10th month of the Tamil calendar.

Devotees of Thaipusam ought to carry metal frames known as Kavadis as an act of atonement to honor their lord. The Kavadis is said to be a long sharp metal hooks or long needle that pierce through basically body parts like cheeks, skins, chests, backs, hands and even tongues of the devotee.

Beside you may see some of the devotees walk on sharp knives and burning charcoal with incredibly no blood and no pain at all. These entire remarkable acts are possible due to the strong determination and devotion the devotees instill.

Malaysian National Day falls on 31st of August each year where celebrations often include exhibitions of the nation’s history, a fireworks display and a grand parade attended by the ‘Agung’ - the King and Queen, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

The Hari Raya Haji which is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” is falls on the 10th day of the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar. It is the day where “Haji” is a pilgrimage to be celebrated and performed by Muslims in Mecca.

Apparently on the Hari Raya Haji day or the day after, traditional practice of sacrificed a cow or a goat in are performed in the vicinity of the mosque after prayers. The meat will then to be distributed to the poor one.

Bazaar Ramadhan are usually held during fasting month which an abundance and great variety of culinary delights are available.

These ‘bazaar’ generally embark on around four o’ clock in the afternoon and last until dusk. Travelers could be able to locate the locations from the nearest tourist information centre, otherwise, follow the friendly locals to the colorful and aromatic makeshift roadside stalls.

Christmas is the day where Jesus Christ was born and it is an important occasion for Christians in Malaysia. On Christmas Eve, Malaysian Christians usually go caroling at the houses of their friends and relatives.  

Besides homes and churches, most of shopping complexes, hotels and restaurants are fill with the revelry atmosphere. Besides, most common Christmas tree with bright lights and dress up Santa Clauses are added to the joyous and festive air too.

Wesak Day is known as the day of the birth of Buddha. It is also the day where He became enlightened and the day He depart His life. On this day, Malaysia Buddhists are usually gathered in temples to hold grand ceremonies for praying and Buddhist’s mantra.

On this promising day, Buddhism talks are also held available for anyone to participate. At night, devotees usually light up the joss sticks and hold candlelight to walk around the altar where fresh flowers are lay. Thus this religious occasion signifies Buddhist way of praying that offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Buddha.

Gawai Dayak marks the important date for the Ibans ethinic group as the end of the day of paddy harvest season. Apparently the Ibans invite their friends and family and even some from different ethnic group to join in the gaiety in Longhouses.  
At the beginning of the ceremony, prayer is usually done by the tribal chief as a traditional way of seeking blessings from the gods and the spirits followed by dances performed by the men with warring attire.

Then, there goes the most important of the ceremony – the ‘Miring”. A ritual performed by elderly by holding up two chickens (one with the one and the other with red) up high above with swaying movement to above guests’ head , and simultaneously muttering a chant for peace, safety, protection and plentiful harvest for the next season.

Tadau Kaamatan is a harvesting celebration that is celebrated by the Kadazans and Bajaus ethnic groups of Sabah. This is a celebration of thanksgiving offered to the Rice gods by the farmers. Thus prayers are also held in hope for an ample harvest the following year