Festivals of Malaysia

A country rich in cultural diversity and festivals, Malaysia is known for its various religions, cultures and races of people. People of various caste and creed mingle together during the festivities and celebrate them with much enthusiasm. A unique feature that can be noticed during the celebrations in Malaysia is the concept of ‘Open House’. During an ‘Open House’, friends from other communities and races are invited to take part in the festivities and have a gala time together. Some of the major festivals of Malaysia are as follows:

Chinese New Year: Celebrated every year during mid-January till mid-February, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with immense passion and vigor by almost all the communities that dwell here. If we strictly go by the official terms, then the tenure of this festival is just three days. But unofficially, it is celebrated for at least two weeks.

Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival: Celebrated every year on the 15th day of the Chinese eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Monncake Festival marks the end of the harvest season. This festival is also regarded by many as the Lantern Festival for its use of ornately decorated paper lanterns.

Fifth Moon Festival: A major celebration of the Chinese communities in Malaysia, the Fifth Moon Festival is also known by the name of Patriotic Poet’s Festival or the Dumpling Festival. During this festival, the Chinese people living by the coastal regions of Malaysia observe the fifth moon of the lunar calendar and as a part of the festivities participate in dragon boat races and rice dumplings.

Deepavali: Being a famous Hindu festival, Deepavali marks the victory of good over evil. A festival of lights, Deepavali fireworks light up the night sky of Malaysia and sweets are distributed amongst friends and family members.

Hari Raya Puasa: This is a major festival of the Muslims in Malaysia. This festival is celebrated to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Thaipusam: Celebrated in a grand manner at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Thaipusam is a major Hindu festival in Malaysia. This festival is celebrated during the tenth month of the Hindu calendar.

Hungry Ghost Festival: Mainly a Chinese celebration in Malaysia, during this Hungry Ghost Festival it is believed that the dead people return from the “Gates of Hell” and come down to meet their near and dear ones. It is also believed that by satisfying these hungry ghosts from the prisons of Hell, one can attain luck and fortune

Gawai Dayak: A major festival of the Dayak community in Sarawak, Gawai Dayak is celebrated every year on the 1st and 2nd of June. This is a celebration of the good harvest and comprises of thanksgiving to the spirits.

Kaul: Kaul is celebrated every year in Malaysia during the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing season. This festival of Kaul is mostly celebrated by the various Melanau settlements across the coastal areas of Malaysia.During the course of this Kaul, various rituals are held to appease the spirits of the sea, land, forests and farmlands.

Christmas: Every year on the 25th of December, marking the birthday of Jesus Christ, Christmas is celebrated in Malaysia.

Portuguese-Eurasian communities of Melacca, Fiesta San Pedro is celebrated. This festive occasion is cultural as well as colorful during which the fishing boats are given a new coat of paint, decorated with flowers and blessings are sought for a bountiful season.

Pongal: A major celebration of the Hindus, Pongal is celebrated every year during the middle of January to mark the abundant harvest. It also comprises of thanksgiving ceremonies to the Sun.
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