| Malaysia
is a multi ethnic country having diverse religious and
cultural practices. All the ethnic groups celebrate
their respective festivals and therefore throughout
the year Malaysia remains bright and colorful due to
the celebration of different kinds of festivals. Some
of these festivals are public holidays.
HARI RAYA HAJI is celebrated by the
Muslims on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim
calendar. This is an occasion celebrated marking the
conclusion of the annual Hajj - the pilgrimage to the
holy city of Mecca, when the pilgrims are given the
name of Haji for men and Hajjah for women. Thanksgiving
prayers are offered in the mosques. An animal is sacrificed
whose meat is distributed among the relatives and the
poor.
CHINESE NEW YEAR is celebrated on
the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and this
is the most important annual festival for the Chinese
community. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals
according to the Chinese Zodiac. Houses are cleaned
and decorated to prepare for the big day. On this day,
prayers and offerings are made, new clothes are bought
and different kinds of food are prepared. New Year cards
are exchanged between friends and relatives. Lion dances
and small fireworks are also arranged. Ang-Pow or red
packet containing money is given out to children and
elderly.
AWAL MUHARRAM is also celebrated by
Muslims. This day symbolizes two happy events in a Muslim's
life. The start of Muslim year or calendar, Muharram,
coincides with Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca
to Medina on the first of Muharram in 622AD. To signify
this occasion, Muslims attend to various religious activities,
spiritual singing, and religious meeting throughout
the country.
CHAP GOH MEI means the 15th
night of Chinese New year in Hokkien dialect. It is
celebrated with prayers and offerings to mark the end
of the Chinese New Year. Houses are again brightly decorated
with lights for the last day of the celebration.
THAIPUSAM is celebrated by Hindus
on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed
on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united
into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord
Subramanian, also known as Lord Muruga, the youngest
son of Lord Shiva. Before this day, Hindus usually prepare
themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining
self-discipline.
WESAK DAY is celebrated
by Buddhists which marks three momentous events in Buddha's
life - his birthday, enlightenment, and achievement
of Nirvana. The celebration begins at dawn when devotees
gathering at the temples to meditate on the Eight Precepts.
HARVEST FESTIVAL is celebrated by the Kadazan
of Sabah each May with thanksgiving dedicated to the
rice gods. Agricultural shows, exhibitions, cultural
programs, buffalo races, and other traditional games
are held.
HARI GAWAI is celebrated
by the Dayaks or Ibans of Sarawak for a week marking
the end of the paddy harvesting season and the beginning
of the new planting season. There is singing, dancing
and considerable drinking of tuak or rice wine in the
local longhouses.
HUNGRY GHOSTS FESTIVAL
is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month
by Buddhists and Taoists. Bundle of joss sticks, paper
hell money, and food placed on the street corner and
roadsides are burnt to appease the dead spirit from
entering their home and cause disturbance in their household.
MOON CAKE - LANTERN FESTIVAL
is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth
Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is a historical festival
rather than a religious one. It marks the successful
rebellion against the Mongol ruler dated back in 14th
century China.
HARI RAYA PUASA is
celebrated by the Muslims which signifies the end of
the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration
is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is the
most significant celebration for the Muslims.
Other festivals celebrated with great pomp, grandeur
and enthusiasm in Malaysia are DIWALI and
CHRISTMAS.
Worldtravel4indians.com provides information on Festivals
of Malaysia and different types of Festivals around
the world.
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