FESTIVALS IN MALAYSIA

There are many festivals and holidays observed in Malaysia. The diverse cultural and
racial mix is evident the variety of cultures, of which a few are listed below.

Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) is a joyous and important Muslim holiday that is celebrated
throughout the Muslim world. It is the end of a month of fasting and each day is
started with children asking their parents forgiveness for anything they have done
wrong, before they go to prayers. It is a time for special food, visiting friends and
relatives and the children are given gifts of money.

Chinese New Year is a very festive time for Malay Chinese and is observed on
the first day of the first moon on the Chinese calendar. The date of this celebration
will vary from year to year depending on when this time falls on the lunar calendar and
usually lasts for about 15 days. Sometimes this event is in January, other times in
February, since it follows the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar. It is celebrated
with a traditional dinner on New Year's Eve and subsequently continues with visits to
family, friends and the honouring of the elderly. Packets of money called ‘ang pow’ are
given away at this time as well.

Wesak Day, in May, is Buddha's Birthday and is the most important day of the year for
Buddhists. This day is celebrated with prayers and incense at the temples with the
main celebration being a lantern procession at night.

The birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Supreme Head of State, is celebrated on
the first Saturday in June and is observed as a public holiday. On this day, awards and
titles are given by His Majesty to those people who have set themselves apart from
other Malays with their service to Malaysia.

Independence Day (now known as National Day) is August 31 and marks the time of
Malaysia's independence. It is observed with parades, exhibitions, shows and free film
admission for children. The poor in Malaysia are presented gifts of money and food.

Deepavali is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil,
particularly that of Lord Krishna over a demon king. It is observed with prayers in the
morning, followed with visits to friends and relatives with delicacies served. In the
evening, lanterns are lit.

Christmas is celebrated by the Christians in Malaysia usually with the attendance of a

church service on Christmas Eve. There are also carollers who sing at various places
(children's homes, retirement homes, hotels, etc) and bring Christmas joy. The
exchange of gifts is practiced as well in celebration of Christ's birth.
FESTIVALS IN MALAYSIA

There are many festivals and holidays observed in Malaysia. The diverse cultural and
racial mix is evident the variety of cultures, of which a few are listed below.

Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) is a joyous and important Muslim holiday that is celebrated
throughout the Muslim world. It is the end of a month of fasting and each day is
started with children asking their parents forgiveness for anything they have done
wrong, before they go to prayers. It is a time for special food, visiting friends and
relatives and the children are given gifts of money.

Chinese New Year is a very festive time for Malay Chinese and is observed on
the first day of the first moon on the Chinese calendar. The date of this celebration
will vary from year to year depending on when this time falls on the lunar calendar and
usually lasts for about 15 days. Sometimes this event is in January, other times in
February, since it follows the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar. It is celebrated
with a traditional dinner on New Year's Eve and subsequently continues with visits to
family, friends and the honouring of the elderly. Packets of money called ‘ang pow’ are
given away at this time as well.

Wesak Day, in May, is Buddha's Birthday and is the most important day of the year for
Buddhists. This day is celebrated with prayers and incense at the temples with the
main celebration being a lantern procession at night.

The birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Supreme Head of State, is celebrated on
the first Saturday in June and is observed as a public holiday. On this day, awards and
titles are given by His Majesty to those people who have set themselves apart from
other Malays with their service to Malaysia.

Independence Day (now known as National Day) is August 31 and marks the time of
Malaysia's independence. It is observed with parades, exhibitions, shows and free film
admission for children. The poor in Malaysia are presented gifts of money and food.

Deepavali is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil,
particularly that of Lord Krishna over a demon king. It is observed with prayers in the
morning, followed with visits to friends and relatives with delicacies served. In the
evening, lanterns are lit.

Christmas is celebrated by the Christians in Malaysia usually with the attendance of a

church service on Christmas Eve. There are also carollers who sing at various places
(children's homes, retirement homes, hotels, etc) and bring Christmas joy. The
exchange of gifts is practiced as well in celebration of Christ's birth.