Malaysia Festivals

Hari Raya Aidil Adha: January 2008
Hari Raya Aidil Adha marks the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Zulhijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim calendar. The day starts with prayers in mosques and is followed by the offering of cattle or goats to the needy.
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Thaipusam: January 2008
This spectacular festival occurs in late January or early February and is a celebration of Lord Subramaniam. On the eve of the festival, a statue of the Lord is taken on procession in a chariot drawn by bullocks. The next day, devotees carry 'kavadis' through Hindu temples amidst chanting and drumming. A kavadi is a metal or wooden arch with elaborate decorations, which is placed on the devotee's shoulders. Hooks or spikes from the kavadi are pierced into parts of the devotee's body. The festival is celebrated on a large scale in Penang, Selangor and Perak.
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Chinese New Year in Malaysia : February 2008

Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days, beginning from the 1st day of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a joyous occasion marked by family reunions, giving of red packets, or 'ang pows,' by parents to children or among relatives. This practice, coupled with the giving away of mandarin oranges, is a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the recipients. Another highlight is the traditional lion dance.

The Chinese New Year tradition is said to have originated hundreds of years ago when villagers in a province in China were tormented by a dragon. To scare it away, they decorated the village in bright red and lit firecrackers. As time passed, the coming of spring was incorporated into the celebration, hence the name 'New Year,' signifying the birth of new things.

The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia. Falling on a month or so behind the western calendar, this festival is celebrated with pomp, grandeur and ceremony for almost 15 days. Decorations in most Chinese homes include young blossoms of cherries, plums and bamboo, which symbolizes rebirth as well as flexibility and endurance. The New Year is seen as a time of abundant food. The variety and amount of food prepared tops any other holiday time. Among the delicacies prepared are 'nian gao', a sweet glutinous rice pudding, crispy love letters made from a batter, steamed wheat bread called 'man tou' and little meat dumplings.

The Lunar New Year is also a time for families to get together. A unique Malaysian contribution to the local Chinese culture is the 'lau yee sang,' an exotic dish made up of raw fish, vegetables and colored noodles. Often, the gathered family mixes and tosses this dish before consuming it, as a symbol of unity and joy.

Children have a wonderful time collecting their bounties in the form of 'ang pow,' or red packets holding monetary presents. Chinese elders usually hand these packets out to younger family members and visiting friends. The mandatory lighting of fireworks and firecrackers bring about fun and laughter to both the young and elderly. Thrilling lion dance performances can be observed at homes, office buildings and shopping complexes. The 'lion' is believed to bring good luck and prosperity with it wherever it goes.The celebrations go on for 15 days, during which prayers are held and offerings of food and incense are made to the gods and dead ancestors. The celebrations culminate with the 'Chap Goh Mei' festival on the 15th day when colorful lanterns are lit and unmarried women throw oranges into the sea to invoke blessings in seeking good husbands. As with most festivals in Malaysia , people of all races visit their Chinese friends during this season to convey their good wishes. Open houses are also held by many families, who open their homes to friends and loved ones.
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Prophet Mohammed's Birthday: April 2008
The birthday of Prophet Muhammad, celebrated on the 12th of the month of Rabiulawal, is another important occasion in the Muslim calendar. It is marked by special prayers and sermons in mosques, followed by processions and feasts.
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Wesak Day: May 2008
Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death are celebrated through various events, including the release of caged birds to symbolize the freeing of captive souls. Most Buddhists observe a vegetarian diet on this day and in some towns, like Penang, a procession takes place at night.
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Pesta Ka'amatan: May 2008
The best time to visit Sabah and experience this occasion is from May 30th to 31st, when the Kadazan and Dusun communities offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Highlights include a beauty pageant, cultural dances and rituals that culminate in the Thanksgiving ceremony performed by the 'Bobohizan,' or high priestess.

With a wealth of ethnic groups, the states of Sabah and Sarawak have an outstanding diversity of culture. The biggest ethnic group in Sabah, the Kadazan-Dusun, celebrates the padi harvesting festival (the Tadau Ka'amatan) in May. Tadau Ka'amatan is the most important celebration in the lives of this ancient tribe of Sabah. This festival, which spans the entire month of May, is an offer of thanksgiving to the rice spirits (Bambarayon) for a bountiful harvest. The highlight of this harvest festival is a dance performed by the high priestess (Bobolian) in search of the rice spirits, whose presence is vital for a fruitful harvest. Much fun and excitement take place and merry makers indulge in dancing, feasting, and drinking of a potent wine called 'tapai,' buffalo racing and arm wrestling. The festivities end with the crowning of the Harvest Queen.

Similar to the Tadau Ka'amatan, Gawai Dayak is Sarawak's version of the same festival. The Iban tribe, along with the Orang Ulu and Bidayuh, celebrate this festival at the beginning of June. It marks the end of the rice harvest and is a resting period from the toils of the fields as well as a thanksgiving ceremony to the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival also seeks the blessings of the spirits to ensure a fruitful harvest the following year. Huge banquets of traditional food are prepared and 'tuak,' a potent rice wine and a must at the festivities, is brewed. Urban folk return to their ancestral villages to take part in the merry making and rituals. Visitors are welcome to join in the feasting and dancing and watch the exotic cultural festivities. This exciting period also provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain an insight to life at the longhouse. This party mood prevails throughout the month of June, providing ample time and occasion for the people to revel in continuous celebration.
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Colors of Malaysia: May 2008

Occurring throughout Malaysia, the 'Colors of Malaysia' is an entire month of culture, craft and cuisine. It brings together activities, exhibitions and events that showcase the best of Malaysia. Join in the festivities as the month kicks off with a parade as well as dance and music performances. Food festivals and cultural exhibitions are also held throughout the country. The highlight is a spectacular parade bearing the theme 'Citrawarna Malaysia,' or 'Colors of Malaysia,' held in Kuala Lumpur.
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Dragon Boat Festival: June 2008
The month of June sees the colorful and reverberating Dragon Boat festival in the states of Penang and Malacca. Also known as the Double Fifth Festival, it takes place on the fifth day of the fifth moon of the lunar calendar and is deemed one of the three most important Chinese festivals. This summer festival tells of a favored Chinese scholar named Chu Yuan who served the King of Chu many centuries back. Falling victim to his jealous rivals, he fell out of favor with the king and unable to regain the King's confidence, drowned himself in a river in the Hunan Province . Recognizing his true nobility, the people in the area rushed out in their boats in a vain attempt to rescue him. This unsuccessful attempt is apart of what the Dragon Boat festival commemorates each year with the racing of the Dragon Boats.

The boats feature the head and tail of a dragon, a mythological creature believed to rule the waters. Once affixed to the boats, a Taoist priest performs rituals accompanied by the burning of incense and firecrackers to bring the boats to 'life.' These rituals are also done to cast away any evil spirits lurking about to ruin the festivities. As an offering to the dead scholar, villagers in the early days made offerings of rice stuffed in bamboo sections and threw them into the rivers. This custom has evolved to the present day tradition where rice stuffed with various delicacies like vegetables, nuts, beans and ham are turned into dumplings called Tzungtzu and eaten during the festival. The race is a colorful and joyous event greatly enjoyed by all. Enthusiastic spectators cheer as the race kicks off with the slow beating of drums, which increase steadily to end in a frenzied crescendo as the boats speed across the finish line.
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Gawai Dayak: June 2008

This annual Sarawak Dayak festival is celebrated in early June and marks the end of the rice-harvesting season. To prepare for the festival, Dayaks clean their homes and the graves of their ancestors. On the festival's eve, family members attend a reunion during which the youngest member offers a plate of specially prepared food to his parents. Tuak, or rice wine, is served to all and dancing is part of the merry-making. Attired in their finest, the Dayaks offer sacrifices of livestock in return for a good harvest. Other events that take place are war dances, cockfights and blowpipe contests.
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Mega Sale Carnival: June-September 2008

Shop until you drop at the Mega Sale Carnival! This extravaganza is held once a year and offers an exciting range of merchandise and a host of bargains at shopping centers nationwide. Check out the branded items, fashion wear, sportswear, leather products, perfumes, jewelry, ethnic crafts, collectibles, IT products, and other tempting buys.
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Hungry Ghost Festival: August 2008
If witches and devils visit our realm on All Hallows Eve, their fearsome counterparts make their trips to this region during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Each year, during the 7th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Chinese community in a sense of reverence and apprehension celebrates this festival.
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Merdeka Eve Celebration: August 2008

Join in the fun on the eve of the anniversary of Malaysia's national day. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades on this night of mesmerizing dances, dazzling colorful fireworks display and performances by local artists, culminating in the Merdeka countdown for the raising of the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian Flag) at the stroke of midnight amidst the hearty shouts of "merdeka."

Malaysia's national day on August 31st is celebrated on a grand scale with colorful parades, stage shows, and competitions at major towns throughout the country.
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Lantern and Mooncake Festival: September 2008
The Moon Cake Festival takes place on the 15th day in the eight lunar month. Its popularity stems from the various reasons it is celebrated for, which explains how the festival came to be known simultaneously as 'Zhong Qiu Jive' or Mid- Autumn Festival and Lantern Festival.

A legend, which can be traced to 2000 B.C, speaks of ten suns circling the earth, each taking its turn to nourish the earth. When suddenly all 10 suns appeared concurrently, the reigning emperor summoned Hour Yi a skilled archer from his imperial army, to obliterate nine of the suns. Impressed by his achievement, the Goddess of the Western Heaven asked Hou Yi to build her a jade palace. For this, she gifted him the elixir of immortality. The gift fell into the hands of his wife, Chang Oh and upon consuming, she was banished to the moon. It is Chang Oh's beauty that is said to heighten the radiance of the mid-autumn moon. A different version of this legend says that Hou Yi became emperor after his feat but success turned him into a tyrant. He desired to rule forever and to attain this goal he acquired the elixir of life. To avert disaster, his wife consumed the elixir herself and floated off to the moon.

The Moon Cake Festival took on a fresh meaning in the 14th century, when one Zhu Yuan Zhang overthrew the ruling Mongolian Yuan Dynasty. He and his rebels spread their propaganda by hiding messages in the moon cakes. They used the lantern procession and the tradition of exchanging moon cakes to aid their mission. The plot paid off and the Yuan dynasty was ousted. Zhu Yuan Zhang then became the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty and is still revered today for his achievement in overthrowing the Mongolians. The lantern displays and processions held in conjunction with the Moon Cake Festival commemorate this honor.

The Mid Autumn festival celebrates romance as well. The luminous light of the full, circular moon also signifies lovers seeking unity. In addition, the festival is said to honor the birth of the Earth God, to whom the farming community gives thanks for the bounties reaped.

In Malaysia and parts of the world with a significant resident Chinese community, a wide array of moon cakes can be found during this period in Asian markets and bakeries. It's common in Malaysia to see children of all races joyfully participating in lantern competitions and processions. In the same tradition, moon cakes and goodies are shared around with non-Chinese work mates and friends in a spirit of unity and happiness synonymous with the Moon Cake Festival.
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Deepavali: October 2008
For the Hindu community in Malaysia and around the world, the 'Deepavali' or 'Diwali' marks one of the most significant dates on the calendar. Molded by religion, mythology and culture, Hindus have celebrated this festival in India for thousands of years.
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Ramadhan: October – November 2008
To Muslims worldwide, the fasting month of Ramadhan that precedes the Aidilfitri celebrations is an auspicious time of the year. In Malaysia, it is also seen as a great time to feast -- as is reflected by the enthusiasm towards the famous Ramadhan bazaars.

The Ramadhan bazaar can best be described as a trend that became a culture. Long before the fast ends at sunset, hundreds of stalls selling various foods sprout throughout the country by roadsides, fields, market places and even malls. These stalls last only through the Ramadhan and are run by temporary operators. This phenomenon, which sweeps through every nook and corner of Malaysia, is regarded as one of the most exciting annual happenings. The reason Well, each visitor will have to visit the Ramadhan bazaar for him or herself to understand the fervor it sparks off.

The scene that greets one at a bazaar is nothing short of astounding. Food in all colors, forms and aromas stimulate the senses. From Malaysia's signature dishes to hard-to-find home recipes, all of these delectable treats their ways to the tabletops of the vendors. Hundreds of dishes from every state in Malaysia can be found in just one place. From the north, the piquant 'laksa,' rich 'nasi kandar,' 'nasi lemuni' and delicious 'pasembor' tempt buyers with the very sight. More rice variations like the 'nasi dagang,' 'nasi kerabu' and grilled items like 'ikan and ayam percik' as well as the rich soupy 'laksam' are a few contributions from the east coast states. The southern state of Johor offers its famed 'nasi biryani,' 'laksa Johor,' 'mee bandung' and 'soto'. Added to this list are colorful deserts and fresh tropical fruit juices that would soothe the parched throats of the fasting community.

A few of Kuala Lumpur's top bazaars can be found in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru and Masjid India. Although every district in the capital is awash with bazaars, these particular ones seem to stretch endlessly, making it almost impossible to browse through the whole area, let alone savor the dishes. The already famous food capital of Penang gets even busier during this period. Visit the bazaars at Gelugor and Bayan Baru and see why Penang takes the crown for cuisine excellence. In Alor Setar, Kedah, the Darul Aman Stadium is another notable bazaar location. Over the east coast at Kota Bahru, the Parit Dalam bazaar offers a delightful feast as well. Here, the fare leans towards eastern and Thai specialties.
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Hari Raya Aidilfitri: November 2008

Each year, during the holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims in Malaysia prepare for one of the holiest celebrations in the Islamic calendar, the Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Hari Raya, as it is localy known, means a 'day of celebration,' while 'Aidilfitri' gives meaning to 'festival of fast-breaking'.

Festivities begin a month before, during the Ramadan -or fasting- month. Muslims are required to fast from dawn till dusk and are encouraged to abstain from unholy and unhealthy activities. It is also an opportune time to offer alms to the needy. A customary offering, called the 'fitrah,' either inform of food or money and is a requirement during this month. In Malaysia Muslims often break the daily fast with the poor, orphans and the elderly. The multi-racial populace adds color to the occasion, with many non- Muslims joining their Muslim friends in fast-breaking. Referred to as 'buka puasa' or 'iftaa' in some countries, this is a time looked forward to by all Malaysians. Locals and visitors alike can delight in the hundreds of food stalls that sprout up all over the country, bearing a delicious variety of delicacies.

Shopping frenzies take place during this festive time as well. With new clothes to buy, homes to be decorated and cookies to be made, the country gets caught up in a cheerful mood. Sales and promotions sweep through stores and shopping complexes are decorated in Aidilfitri trimmings. Sparkling lights, oil lamps and miniature 'ketupat' (a rice delicacy cooked in casings weaved out of coconut leaves) brighten up homes everywhere. There is a rush to have traditional clothes like 'Baju Kurung,' 'Kebaya' and 'Baju Melayu' tailored; others find easy alternatives in ready-made outfits. Family members gather to bake cakes, while those who opt for convenience buy these goodies from vendors.As the fasting draws to an end, the feasting mood looms large. City folk rush for tickets back to their hometowns in the famous 'balik kampong' (returning home) trend. Muslims wait with excitement as spiritual leaders set out to admire the new moon and proclaim Aidilfitri on the first day of the Syawal month. Then, the festive mood kicks off at full scale with merrymaking and children playing with fireworks. The celebrations begin with morning prayers led by the Imam (spiritual headman) at mosques, followed by an oration. At home, younger family members seek the pardon and blessings of elders. The feasting begins and lasts through the following days. The celebrations would not be complete without the presence of the 'ketupat' and 'lemang,' glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, its accompanying 'rendang', a spicy and rich beef or chicken dish, and 'serunding', a kind of dry meat floss. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the 'dodol,' a thick and sticky sweetmeat, or 'bahulu,' the local version of muffins, and the many traditional and modern cookies. As with other festivals in Malaysia, friends from other ethnicities offer their good wishes and partake in the festivities. Open houses are held all over the country, with hosts opening their doors to one and all.
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Chingay: December 2008
Malaysians of Chinese descent who are known for their acrobatic skills display their prowess during the 'Chingay' procession, associated with the year-end Penang Festival. Performers balance huge poles with enormous triangular flags on their foreheads, chins, lower jaws and shoulders.
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Christmas: December 2008

Like Christians in other parts of the world, Malaysian Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th each year. It is marked by midnight services at churches on the eve or attending church on the day itself. The merriment usually begins a fortnight before the date, when shopping centers and hotels echo the revelry and Yuletide spirit with colorful decorations, Christmas trees and lights.