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With a mix of different races,
religions and culture, Malaysia is rich in its cultural diversity and
festivals. A unique feature of Malaysian celebrations
is the concept of open house where friends of other races and
communities are invited to join in the merry making and enjoy the
festive treats.
Festivals & Celebrations of Malaysia
Pongal
Held in the middle of January, Pongal is a cultural festival celebrated
by
Hindus to mark the harvesting and to give thanks to the sun for its
bounty.
DATE - 15 JAN 2009
Thaipusam
Hindus celebrate Thaipusam on the tenth month of their calendar. Thai'
is the Hindu month which falls between January 15 to February 15.
The festival is best witnessed at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and in
Penang.
DATE - 08 FEB 2009
Chinese New Year
Celebrated by the Chinese community, Chinese New Year occurs usually
during mid-January to mid-February. The festivities are celebrated for 3
days, but as a whole, last for 15 days.
DATE - 26 & 27
JAN 2009
Good Friday
Malaysians Christians gather in churches around the country for services
to mark the “saddest day” in the Christian calendar. Many churches hold
several services, including one at 3pm – the hour Christ is
traditionally said to have died.
DATE - 10 APR 2009
Kaul
The Melanau festival, or 'Kaul', appeasing the spirits of the sea, land,
forests and farm is celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the
start of the fishing season in late March or early April. The festival
is celebrated on different days in the many Melanau settlements along
the coast.
DATE - 28 APR 2009
Pesta Kaamatan
In May, Sabahan's celebrate the Kadazan Harvest Festival.
DATE - 30 & 31 MAY 2009
Gawai Dayak
Celebrated by the Dayak communities in Sarawak.
Celebrated mid year on June 1 and 2, though unofficially, the
festivities begin during the last week of May and continue through
mid-June.
DATE - 01 & 02 JUN 2008
Fifth Moon Festival
Known also as the Patriotic Poet’s Festival or the Dumpling Festival,
Chinese communities, living especially in coastal and riverine areas,
observe the fifth moon of the lunar calendar with rice dumplings and
dragon boat races.
DATE - 08 JUN 2008
Fiesta San Pedro
A delightful cultural event celebrated by the Portuguese-Eurasian
community of Malacca. to commemorate the birthday of the patron saint of
fishermen, San Pedro. The fishing boats, which are colorfully decorated
for the festival, are blessed and prayers offered for a better season
DATE - 23 JUN - 29 JUN 2008
Hungry Ghost Festival
On this day it is believed that the "Gates of Hell" are opened and that
the dead return to visit their living relatives. The Chinese feel that
they have to satisfy the imprisoned and hungry ghosts in order to get
good fortune and luck
DATE - 14 AUG 2008
Mid Autmn or Mooncake
Festival
The Mid-Autumn, or Mooncake Festival, falls on the 15th day of the
Chinese eighth month, and is celebrated to signify the end of the
harvest season. Associated with paper lanterns, it is also called the
Lantern Festival.
DATE - 14 SEP 2008
Hari Raya Puasa
The most significant celebration for Muslims, it signifies the end of
the fasting month of Ramadan. The words ‘Hari Raya’ means day of
celebration.
DATE- 01 & 02 OCT 2008
Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Worshippers of Jiu Hwang Yeh Sect believe that the Nine Emperor Gods
visit the worshippers every year on this day for nine days, and during
the duration of the visit, the Gods have to be entertained with
traditional opera and dances.
DATE - OCT 2008
Deepavali
Celebrated by Hindus as the day the evil Narakasura was slain by Lord
Krishna.
Signifying the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
DATE - 27 OCT 2008
Christmas
Held annually on Dec 25th, Christians celebrate the Nativity, or the
birth of Christ. Christmas celebrations here in Malaysia are a little
different from
the rest of the world.
DATE - 25 DEC 2007
RELATED LINKS
Calendar Year 2008
Malaysian Calendar 2008 with dates of Public and School Holidays
Cultural / Religious and Special Days 2008
Dates Cultural Festivals & Celebrations and Other special Days such as
Mothers or Secretaries Day etc that are not a holiday bur nevertheless
celebrated in its own way
Holidays 2008 & 2009
National and State Public
Holidays for year 2008 & 2009
information - details -
regarding
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