Malaysian Festivals
Malaysia, the vibrant and culturally rich South Asian country is home to various ethnic communities. This cultural multiplicity of the nation has an influence on its festivals and celebrations. Malaysia festivals incorporate a mix of ethnic communities and societies that include the Malays, Chinese, and Indians along with other small ethnic groups. All religion and ethnic societies celebrate their respective religion practices and festivals throughout the year. These multi cultural festivals of different ethnic communities are celebrated either throughout the nation or at particular states. The festivals in Malaysia are celebrated in the concept of ‘open house’, which means all are welcome to be a part of the festivals. Some of the Malaysian festivals are even declared a holiday in the nation or in the state.
Popular Malaysian Festivals
The calendar year of Malaysia is lined up with various festivals and events throughout the year. The Malaysian festivals bear a reflection of the traditions and customs of the various multi ethnic communities. All general festivals in Malaysia are celebrated annually.
Here is a look at some of the Malaysia festivals scheduled for the coming months of the year 2010.
A celebration of the Muslims, this festival is observed on 27th November each year. This celebration marks the end of the annual Haj – the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered in the mosques.
Other Popular Festivals in Malaysia
Aside from the above-mentioned festivals of the religious communities, Malaysia also witnesses various other festivals throughout the year. All these festivals are celebrated annually and are popular festivals of the Malaysian calendar.
Here is a look at the other multi ethnic festivals celebrated in the country.
Thaipusam, celebrated on the tenth month of the Hindu calmer (January) is a festival of the Hindus. The festival day is the day for forfeit and reparation when Hindu devotees gather to fulfill a vow made to Lord Muruga. The most religious devotees prepare themselves for the celebration throughout a week. Thousands of devotees carry a frame decorated with colored papers and filled with flowers and fruits as a form of the reparation. The best place to enjoy this festival is Kuala Lumpur.
This festival also known by the name of Hari Raya Puasa is observed on the first day of Muslim month of Syawal (September). This celebration marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan. A joyful event of the Muslim, this one is marked with the sighting of new moon. All mosques along streets and buildings of the cities are decorated with bright lights to mark the day of the celebration. After the morning prayers at the mosques, delicacies are served.
The Chinese New Year is one of the most popular Malaysia festivals of the Chinese community. This New Year celebration is celebrated for a period of 15 days that starts from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. All the houses and streets bear the décor of Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks for good luck. This festival also witnesses dance performances by animated lion and dragon along with the music of drums.
The Wesak Day, celebrated during the month of May is a festival of the Buddhist community. This festival commemorates the three most significant events in the life of Buddha – his birthday, his enlightenment, and his achievement of nirvana. The celebration begins at dawn with the devotees gathering to meditate at the Eight Precepts. ‘Bathing the Buddha’ is also a part of the celebration of Wesak. Processions are held at night.
The Harvest Festival is a celebration of the indigenous communities of the Dusun, Kadazan, and Murut of Sabah. This festival is observed on the month of May. Thanksgiving prayers are offered to the spirit of the paddy named as Bambaazon / Bambarayon. The high priestess or Boohizan, performs a dance in search of the Bambarayon. The festival also features cultural programs, buffalo races, and agricultural shows along with other conventional games. The festival also organizes for a feast with Tapai (rice wine).
A religious and social festival, Gawai Dayak is celebrated in Sarawak. An annual event, this one is observed on 1st June. This day is marked as a day of thanksgiving planning for a new farming season and hoping for a good harvest. The celebration is for the Dayaks, which refer to the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu communities. Gawai is a celebration of fun and festivities featuring games and processions. The festival generally begins with a reunion dinner for the entire family.
The Lanterna and Mooncvake festival is a celebration of the Chinese community marking peace and prosperity. This festival presently is celebrated throughout Malaysia with colorful lantern décor on the house. Delicious moon cakes are also served during the festival.
Aside from the above-mentioned festivals, other Malaysia festivals include nationwide celebration of
Other Festivals in Malaysia
Aside from the nationwide and statewide celebrations and festivals of various multi-ethnic communities, Malaysia also hosts various cultural events. The two cultural festivals scheduled for the coming months of 2010 are as follows –
Location - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Month: November
Location - Penang, Malaysia
Month: December 2nd -5th 2010
Malaysia festivals witness the finest blend of multi-ethnic celebrations that marks the entire year of the Malaysian calendar. While on a visit to Malaysia, you will certainly be amazed by being a part of such colorful and vibrant celebrations.
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