A Detailed Guide of Malaysian Festivals
Malaysia, a vibrant Southeast Asian country, is a testament to the unity in diversity with its rich cultural diversity and religious tolerance. This multicultural nation is a melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities, each celebrating a variety of festivals that reflect their unique customs and traditions. These ‘Malaysian Festivals’, ranging from the colorful Thaipusam to the joyous Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, not only highlight the country’s rich heritage but also symbolize the harmonious co-existence of different religions and cultures.
Each festival, with its unique customs and joyful celebrations, adds a distinct flavor to the Malaysian cultural landscape, making Malaysia a fascinating mosaic of varied cultures and traditions.
Table of Contents
- List of Malaysian Festivals
- 1. Thaipusam:
- 2. Chinese New Year:
- 3. Malaysia Water Festival:
- 4. Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival:
- 5. Wesak Day:
- 6. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri:
- 7. Sarawak Gawai Festival:
- 8. Rainforest World Music Festival:
- 9. National Day:
- 10. Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival:
- 11. Hari Raya Haji:
- 12. Deepavali:
- 13. The Dragon Boat Festival:
- Christmas:
- Conlusion
- You May Also Like
- FAQ
- References
List of Malaysian Festivals
1. Thaipusam:
Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in Malaysia. It usually falls between 15 January and 15 February, on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai. This festival is a public holiday in several states of Peninsular Malaysia.
Thaipusam is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and his wife Parvati. The festival commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan an invincible lance, with which he destroyed evil demons. The celebration of Thaipusam signifies the defeat of the devils and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
The festival is marked by several unique customs and traditions. Devotees prepare for the occasion by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time. In Malaysia, the festival is highlighted by a midnight chariot procession. Devotees accompany a chariot bearing Lord Murugan’s statue, on the journey from the Sri Mariamman temple in Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves in Selangor. This trek covers a whopping 15km and can take up to 8 hours.
At Batu Caves, a gold Lord Murugan statue towers over the temple and awaits devotees looking to pray for various aspects of their lives and fulfill their vows to the deity during the celebration. In addition to the procession, devotees climb up all 272 of the famed concrete steps to the main temple cave, bearing their offerings and kavadi.
2. Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is perhaps the biggest and most important annual festival for the Chinese community in Malaysia. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which fluctuates between late January and mid-February on the Western calendar. For instance, in 2024, the Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 10.
The Zodiac and the New Year
The festival is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and has been celebrated for over 1,000 years. Each Chinese New Year is designated as “the year of” one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, which is supposed to characterize that year and all those born in it.
Preparations for the New Year
Prior to the celebrations, homes are cleaned and decorated by members of the family. This is done to “sweep out any bad luck,” but brooms are hidden away on New Year’s Day for fear of “sweeping away the good luck” that the arrival of a new year brings. New clothes are purchased, plenty of food is prepared for New Year’s Eve dinner, and debts are settled. Offerings and prayers are also made.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, a family reunion dinner is held. During this time, it’s always best to be in one’s good behavior and only say good and auspicious things.
On Chinese New Year day, everyone is abuzz with various activities, including decorating with duilian (a pair of scrolls with poetry written), giving red packets or angpau containing money, visiting friends and families, having family meals and gatherings, playing cards with small bets of money, and watching dragon or lion dances.
The Fifteen Days of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is actually celebrated for 15 consecutive days, with the main focus on the first three days. The 15th and final day, Chap Goh Mei, is also a big event, where houses are again decked in brightly decorated lights. It is a way of ending with a grand finale rather than the festivities just fading away gradually.
3. Malaysia Water Festival:
The Malaysia Water Festival, also known as Pesta Air Malaysia, is an annual event that celebrates the country’s rich water resources. It is usually celebrated in April.
The festival is significant as it promotes water-related activities and conservation. It aims to educate the public about the importance of water and raise awareness about sustainable water management. The festival is also a platform to celebrate the country’s rich water resources
The festival is celebrated with a variety of water-based activities. In recent years, it has evolved into a larger event known as the Out of the World Water and Music Festival. This festival combines entertainment, tourism, and art. It includes a three-storey water theme park and maze, water slides, food stalls, cultural performances, fashion shows, and music. One of the highlights of the event is the food exhibition by Tastefully, which showcases 80 different food stalls with delicacies from all over the world.
4. Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival:
Tadau Ka’amatan, commonly known as the “Harvest Festival,” is a major cultural and agricultural celebration observed predominantly by the Kadazandusun and Murut indigenous groups in Malaysia’s state of Sabah, which is located on the island of Borneo. The festival is usually held during the month of May.
The festival is significant as it honors Bambaazon, the spirit of the rice padi. It is a timeless tradition that pays tribute to the spirit of the rice padi for a bountiful harvest. The festival is a form of thanksgiving to the divine for the abundance of harvest and the prosperity it brings.
The celebration of Tadau Ka’amatan lasts for the whole month of May, ending with a public holiday on a date selected by a priestess known as the bobohizan. The festival begins with a ritual called ‘moginakan’ to end the old rice year and starts with ‘mamungkar’, which marks the beginning of the new rice year.
One of the highlights of the festival is the beauty pageant known as Unduk Ngadau. The festival also includes a dance performance called the Sumazau, a singing contest called Sugandoi, a bodybuilding competition, and other arts and crafts performances. Competitions such as hitting the gong and folk sports have also become one of the main events in this festival.
Popular drinks during the festival are tapai and Kinomol, which is a traditional alak drink. Tapai is drunk from a small bamboo vessel known as a sumbiling or from special glasses called singgarung, likewise made from bamboo.
5. Wesak Day:
Wesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It is celebrated by Buddhists in Malaysia and around the world.
The festival commemorates three significant events in Gautama Buddha’s life – his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away. It is celebrated on the day of the first full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls between mid-May and June. In 2024, Wesak Day will be observed on May 22.
The observance of Wesak begins at dawn when Buddhists gather in temples to meditate on the precepts of Buddhism. These precepts include honouring life, showing generosity, embracing celibacy, using speech wisely, refraining from alcohol, and only eating at certain times. The precepts also forbid listening to music, adorning one’s body, and sleeping too much.
During Wesak Day services, attendees make donations, pray, and offer flowers and candles. These offerings remind them that everything is temporary, as flowers wither and candles burn. Monks chant the teachings of Buddha, and the flag of Buddha is raised. Many Buddhists visit the Malaysian Buddhist Association building and wait in line to wash a statue of Buddha, believing this ritual will cleanse their souls and purify them.
In the city of Kuala Lumpur, the celebration of Wesak Day ends with a parade of decorated floats that lasts for several hours. One of the floats usually has a large statue of Buddha. People walk beside the floats carrying flowers and candles.
6. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri:
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims in Malaysia. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. The festival is regarded as a joyous celebration as it symbolizes a person’s triumph and success on discipline and self-resistance, which signifies refinement and rebirth.
Determining the Date of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
The date of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is determined based on Hisab (astronomical calculations) and Rukyah or the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal) as soon as the sun sets on the 29th day of Ramadan. It usually falls on the first day of the month of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. For instance, in 2025, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri will be observed on March 31.
Celebrations and Traditions of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
The festival sees families and friends seeking forgiveness from each other, visiting ancestors’ graves, saying prayers at the mosque, and visiting relatives and friends to feast on traditional Malay delicacies like ketupat, rendang, satay, lemang, and curry. In Malaysia, children are given token sums of money from their parents or elders.
The Ramadan period has communal aspects to it with many of the basic values of the Muslim community, such as empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness, and patience being expressed more during this period.
During Ramadan, decorations of kampung houses, ketupats, oil lamps, and colourful lights decorate big malls. Little shops also are decorated in the lead-up. Across the country, the Ramadan month provides great food choices for those who like to sample authentic Malay cuisines. Ramadan bazaars are set up across various neighbourhoods with a huge selection of food stalls lining the streets.
7. Sarawak Gawai Festival:
The Sarawak Gawai Festival, also known as Gawai Dayak, is an annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of June.
The festival was initially held to commemorate the rice harvest, but over time, it has evolved into a broader cultural festival. Gawai Dayak represents gratitude and joy for the success and abundance bestowed upon their land. It is a thanksgiving day marking a bountiful harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season or other endeavours ahead.
Preparations for the Gawai festival start very early, with the brewing of tuak (traditional rice wine) and the making of traditional delicacies. After the general cleaning of the longhouse, new mats are laid out on the ruai (the open area which runs through the entire longhouse), and the walls are adorned with the pua kumbu (traditional handwoven fabric) display on the wall and placed on the table as table cloth.
The celebration typically starts on the evening of 31st May with the Muai Antu Rua (casting away the spirit of greed), signifying the chasing away of the spirit of bad luck. As the sun sets, a miring (offering ceremony) will take place, starting with the beating of the gendang rayah (ritual music). The Tuai Rumah (Longhouse Chief) thanks the gods for the good harvest, and asks for blessings, guidance and long life as he waves a cockerel over the offerings before ending the miring ceremony.
At midnight, the gong is sounded and the Tuai Rumah leads everyone in the longhouse in a toast with Ai Pengayu (a special kind of tuak) and wish each other “Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai” which translates to “Long Life, Health and Prosperity”.
8. Rainforest World Music Festival:
The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is an annual three-day music festival held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The festival is usually celebrated between the end of June and the beginning of August. For instance, in 2024, the festival will be held from 28th to 30th June.
The festival is a celebration of the diversity of world music. It brings together musicians from all around the world to showcase their music and heritage. The festival is set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Santubong at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
The festival includes daytime music workshops, cultural displays, craft displays, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts. The festival also features ethnic and folk musical acts from around the world. In addition to the stage performances, attendees can immerse themselves in a range of activities from participating in music workshops, browsing culture & craft exhibition, to savouring delectable local food and snacks at the 3-day event.
9. National Day:
Malaysia National Day, also known as Hari Merdeka or Independence Day, is observed on August 31 every year. It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of August 31, 1957. This day marks the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire.
The significance of Malaysia National Day lies in its representation of the freedom and sovereignty of the nation. It is a day to remember the struggles of the people and leaders who fought for the country’s independence.
The celebration of Malaysia National Day is marked by various official and unofficial ceremonies and observances across the country. The festivities usually start from the beginning of August with various programs and national competitions. The month of August is also known as the National Month.
One of the main highlights of the celebration is the annual Merdeka Parade. The national day parade is all about decorated cars, royal inspection, flag raising, recitation of the ‘Rukun Negara,’ and cultural and patriotic performances. People can experience the culture of Malaysia by watching the parade live or watch the Merdeka celebrations on TV.
10. Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival:
The Mooncake Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Hungry Ghost Festival are two unrelated but important commemorations marked by Chinese Malaysians nationwide.
Mooncake Festival
The Mooncake Festival is one of the biggest celebrations for the Chinese in Malaysia. It falls annually on the fifteenth day of the eighth Chinese lunar month. In 2024, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17th (Tuesday).
The festival is a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. Today, it is much more common to buy pre-made, packaged moon cakes, although some people still hunt out traditional hand-made ones. The celebration activities are different from year to year. You may expect some of them as below:
- Eat Mooncakes
- Visit Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur
- Visit Penang For The Mid-Autumn Festivities
- Get a Taste of Moon Festival at Malls in Kuala Lumpur
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival, or Yu Lan, is observed on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month each year. Chinese tradition holds that during this time, the realms of Heaven and Hell are opened, and ghosts freely visit the realm of the living. The food and drink set out was done so reverently, so that deceased ancestors may be honoured in their time in the living realm, and also so they can have something to eat and drink. The burning of joss paper was what i saw in the street, the ceremonial burning of papier-mâché forms of material items (including joss money) that ghosts surely need in the afterlife.
11. Hari Raya Haji:
Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated in Malaysia. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. However, before Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.
The festival is observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The exact date is determined by the sighting of the moon and can vary from year to year. For instance, in 2024, Hari Raya Haji will be observed on June 17.
The celebration of Hari Raya Haji is marked by the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, to represent Ibrahim’s sacrifice. This act of sacrifice, or Qurban, is carried out following the Eid prayer on the morning of Hari Raya Haji. A portion of the meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed to the poor and needy.
In addition to the sacrifice, it is customary for Muslims to visit the mosque for prayers, wear new clothes, and visit family and friends. Special meals are prepared, and gifts are often exchanged.
12. Deepavali:
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a significant festival celebrated by those of Hindu faith in Malaysia. It is one of the most important festivals of the year for the Hindus. The festival is observed on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. For instance, in 2024, Deepavali will be celebrated on October 31.
The festival is a celebration of light, signifying the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time for family reunions, much like most major celebrations by other communities.
Preparations for Deepavali start early with homes being cleaned to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Decorations such as colorful paper lanterns and kolam (an intricate design on the floor made from coloured rice and colored powder) are put up to decorate the home. Shopping for new clothes and cooking traditional Indian delicacies are also part of the preparations.
On the day of Deepavali, Hindus perform a ritual oil bath, signifying the cleansing of the body and soul. They then put on new clothes before performing prayers at home and in temples. Once prayers are finished, celebrants often hold open houses where family and friends are encouraged to drop by to share conversation, enjoy snacks or meals, and celebrate the beginning of a new year together. Firecrackers are also set off to scare evil spirits away.
13. The Dragon Boat Festival:
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duan Wu Jie, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated for over 2000 years. In Malaysia, it is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. For instance, in 2024, this auspicious day will be celebrated on June 10.
The festival is associated with several historical and cultural legends, but the most popular one is the commemoration of the famous Chinese poet and state official, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal officer who drowned himself in the Milou River when his country was defeated during the Warring States Period. When people realized what he had done, they took their boats in search of his body and roamed around the river for hours. This act of searching for his body with boats has evolved into the tradition of dragon boat races.
The major attraction of this festival is the Dragon Boat Race. The boats, which are usually made of teak and can seat up to 20-80 paddlers depending on the size, are intricately designed with a dragon head. The official Malaysia International Dragon Boat Festival, organized by the Malaysia Dragon Boat Association, is a Twin City Race held in Putrajaya and Malacca. This event attracts over 2,000 participants from more than 25 countries each year.
In Penang, the festival happens at the Teluk Bahang Dam with these brightly colored boats. Penang is also the first place outside of China that hosted the Dragon Boat Festival.
Christmas:
Christmas is celebrated in Malaysia on December 25th, as it is around the world. It is a public holiday and is observed by Christians as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the festive season is embraced by people of all religions in the country, making it a multicultural celebration.
In Malaysia, Christmas is celebrated in a uniquely Malaysian way. While it’s close to impossible to have a white Christmas in Malaysia due to the tropical climate, the celebrations are no less festive. The shopping malls are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, some as tall as six storeys, and are heavily decked with baubles, candy canes, and angels. Each mall changes their theme each year, trying to outdo each other, much to the delight of the visitors.
Many Malaysians look forward to the Christmas decorations put up by the shopping malls. As Christmas approaches, even non-Christians get into the spirit of the season. Malaysians from all walks of life spend the Christmas holidays visiting their friends with their families. At Christmas countdowns in selected locations, you can see people enjoying the festive cheer and wishing each other happy holidays and Merry Christmas.
At the workplace, colleagues organize a secret Santa event to exchange gifts, where every member of the team shares the spirit of giving, regardless of status, age, or race. On the night of Christmas Eve, when the clock strikes twelve, various locations perform firework displays to welcome Christmas.
Conlusion
In conclusion, the diverse array of Malaysian festivals celebrated in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry and religious harmony.
Each festival, be it Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Malaysia Water Festival, Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival, Wesak Day, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Sarawak Gawai Festival, Rainforest World Music Festival, National Day, Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, The Dragon Boat Festival, or Christmas, carries its own unique significance and traditions that reflect the vibrant culture and heritage of the Malaysian people.
These celebrations not only strengthen communal bonds but also foster a sense of unity and mutual respect among the diverse communities. They serve as a reminder that despite our differences, we can come together to celebrate life’s joys, making Malaysia a truly multicultural and harmonious nation.
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FAQ
What is the famous festival in Malaysia?
Malaysia is special for its rich cultural diversity and religious harmony, with a blend of ethnicities including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities. It’s known for its unique festivals such as Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Deepavali, and more.
Malaysia is also home to stunning natural wonders like the ancient rainforests of Borneo and the biodiverse waters of Sipadan Island. The country is famous for its food, which is influenced by various cultures, and its iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Moreover, Malaysia is one of the world’s top producers of tin, leading to high-quality pewter products. These elements make Malaysia a truly unique and vibrant country.
What is the most popular event in Malaysia?
The most popular event in Malaysia is the Islamic New Year celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. This festival is significant as it marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and giving of gifts.
What are the festival holidays in Malaysia?
Festival holidays in Malaysia include Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Malaysia Water Festival, Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival, Wesak Day, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Sarawak Gawai Festival, Rainforest World Music Festival, National Day, Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, The Dragon Boat Festival, and Christmas.
What is the festival in Malaysia in July?
The Rainforest World Music Festival is a significant event that takes place in Malaysia in July. This three-day music festival is held in Kuching, Sarawak, and brings together musicians from all around the world.
What is the festival of Malay in Malaysia?
The most significant festival for the Malay community in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and giving of gifts.
What is special in Malaysia?
Malaysia is special for its rich cultural diversity and religious harmony, with a blend of ethnicities including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous communities. It’s known for its unique festivals such as Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Deepavali, and more.
Malaysia is also home to stunning natural wonders like the ancient rainforests of Borneo and the biodiverse waters of Sipadan Island. The country is famous for its food, which is influenced by various cultures, and its iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Moreover, Malaysia is one of the world’s top producers of tin, leading to high-quality pewter products. These elements make Malaysia a truly unique and vibrant country.
References
- Thaipusam in Malaysia:
- Chinese New Year in Malaysia:
- Malaysia Water Festival:
- Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival:
- Wesak Day:
- Hari Raya Aidil Fitri:
- Sarawak Gawai Festival:
- Rainforest World Music Festival:
- National Day:
- Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival:
- Hari Raya Haji:
- Deepavali:
- The Dragon Boat Festival:
- Christmas:
- FAQ:
- 15 Amazing Reasons To Visit Malaysia (theculturetrip.com)
- 5 Important Cultural Festivals and Celebrations in Malaysia | Asian Inspirations
- Malaysia Public Holidays 2024 – PublicHolidays.com.my
- Malaysia In July: A Travel Guide That’ll Definitely Come In Handy (traveltriangle.com)
- 15 Amazing Reasons To Visit Malaysia (theculturetrip.com)
