Published by bikebear on October 11, 2019

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5 Major Festivals Celebrated In Malaysia

If you are a culture enthusiast, Malaysia promises to be the perfect travel destination that will fascinate you with its various festivities. The range of celebrations in Malaysia reflects its vibrant cultural diversity and religious tolerance.

Malays, Indians and Chinese along with indigenous people make up the demographics, and each has their own customs, traditions and celebrations. Festivals often result in a public holiday at either the state or national level, making Malaysia the only Southeast Asian country with the most number of public holidays. If you total them all up, it’s 50!

Here are some of the widely celebrated festivals in Malaysia!

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

With more than half of the country being Muslims, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia. It marks the end of Ramadhan, a fasting month for the Muslims.

5 Major Festivals Celebrated in Malaysia - Riuh Ramadhan Hari Raya

Celebrated as a two-day nationwide holiday in Malaysia, it is customary for some Muslim families to host an open house where they welcome neighbours and members of the community into their house to join in the celebrations. Signature foods for this celebration include ketupat, lemang, rending and a variety of Raya cookies!

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar and it lasts for 15 days. Celebrated by Chinese, this is the time of the year to expect fireworks, the prominence of red, open houses with delicious Chinese meals to relish in and lion dances or people dressing in costumes to perform ritualistic dances for good luck and to chase evil spirits away.

Deepavali

Also commonly referred to as Diwali or Festival of Lights, the festival is significant to all Hindus as it symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Oil lamps are lit to ward off darkness and evil.

The ‘Garden of Lights’ at Sunway Pyramid during Deepavali last year – featuring a relaxing green environment anchored by a beautiful kolam (a floor drawing made from coloured flour) and colourful lights.

Christmas

What do you love most about Christmas? For us, it’s the decorations and crazy shopping deals for all!

Celebrate this season of joy at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur!

Mid Autumn Festival

Fondly known as the Tanglung (Lantern) Festival or the Mooncake Festival, it is celebrated by the Chinese to mark the end of the harvesting season. Mooncakes are a must as it also commemorates Chang Er, the moon goddess.