Your Guide To Malaysian Festivals & Celebrations. Way of Life, Culture and Customary.

Malaysia is a melting pot of vibrant cultures, but may be you already know that or maybe not. Let this nation show to you it's uniqueness. Our wonderful cacophony of colors, images, sounds and smells are the best time for the holidays (festive occasions) and there are many of them are used. Here are some of the great festival celebrated in Malaysia, and quick start guide to customs, costumes and cuisine are related to each. Enjoy the cultures.

From home to retail stores and the temples, Diwali or Deepavali is the joy occasion embraced by the Hindu community in Malaysia, in the middle of an ethereal atmosphere of layered oil lamps and incense heady.

Doorways are decorated with Toran, decorative garlands made with golden marigold and fresh leaves of mango. Womenfolk attach to prepare large quantities of sweets and decorate the ground / floor in the household with Kolam, a collage of art using traditional colored rice.

Not to be outdone, the temples spruced up with flowers and offerings of fruit and coconut milk devotees. Indian shops turn to a hive of activity festive necessities such as cars, carpets, flowers and new clothes.

Also known as the Festival of Light, it is not surprising, every house is lit by lamps terracotta hand-painted delicate (vilakku) or these days, colored light bulbs. But it is not only decorative, Devi Lakshmi , the goddess of wealth and prosperity is said to grace only clean house and bright lit homes. On the morning of Diwali Hindu devotees awaken at dawn and be purified by an oil bath before donning their new threads and on the path to the temple.

Diwali is taken to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, a recurring theme in Indian culture from ancient mythology to modern Indian Bollywood movies day. Why, though the word is derived from the Sanskrit means "row of lights".

EAT: Most devout Hindus are vegetarians during Diwali. A typical breakfast might include a simple Thosai (light rice pancakes) with a dhal (chickpeas) curry, while rice and mixed vegetable curries are a favorite for lunch and dinner. Preparation, consumption of sweetmeats and giving is an important facet of this festival. Savory snacks include Murukku (a light, crispy pretzel India).

Wear: Brightly colored silk sarees (a strip of unstitched material of six meters in length draped over the body in various styles) black is frowned upon . Punjabi suit, pantsuit consisting of a long loose tunic and pants is also worn.

Practice: Diwali is also known as the day that the souls of the deceased return to Earth to visit love ones, therefore lanterns and candles are used to guide them home. In the preceding weeks, many devout Hindus go on a fast or observe a strict vegetarian diet and spend hours daily in prayer and meditation. The retualistic oil bath on Diwali morning doubles as a purification process. Rubbing gingerly oil onto the body removes impurities so that it can absorb positive, life enervating energies.

Thaipusam is said to be 'mind over matter' to a whole new level. One of the most spectacular sights you will ever see, Thaipusam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai in honor of the birthday of Lord Murugan. Thaipusam is said to be mind over matter to a whole new level. One of the most spectacular sights you will ever see, Thaipusam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai in honor of the birthday of Lord Murugan.

On the eve of Thaipusam, a parade of followers with a silver statue of the chariot bearing Lord Murugan moves from Sri Mahamariaman temple in downtown Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves 15 km away. Traditional drums and long wooded pipes known as Nathaswaram, strong rhythms induce trance while the faithful sing devotional tunes, dancing and breaking hundreds of coconuts along the path. This human converge at the foot of Batu Caves, where a million other devotees would come together with high fever in anticipation of the show to come.

After a religious incantation by the riverside, select devotees Don kavadi and trudge up 272 stairs to the cave in a trance state, where the statue of Lord Murugan is located. These kavadi or burdens ranging from simple wooden structures to spectacular metal structures weighing up to 23 kg , attached to the door steel hooks inserted into the skin of the chest, back and face and symbolizes the god in the chariot . The metal pierces the skin with almost no bleeding and no apparent pain as the devotee remains in a state of trance. It is said that this exalted state of being is achieved after weeks of rigorous abstinence from mortal. pleasure The core of each kavadi is milk that is offered to the deity who presides when the bearer reaches the top of the hill.

Other than Batu Caves, big scale celebrations also take place at the Siva Subramaniam Temple in Ipoh and the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple in Penang.

Eat: Many observe a strict vegetarian diet for about 40 days.

Practice: the act of penitence can also be demonstrated with some devotees carrying a small pot of milk up the steps to be poured on the vel. Some parents carry newborn babies, slung in a cloth cradle hung on bundled sugar canes, shouldered at both ends by the mother and the father, as thanks for a safe birth. Others improvise with Kavadis made of wood or metal adorned with pictures or statues of Hindu deities, flowers and peacock plumes. Others shave their heads bald as a symbol of humility and atonement. Devout Hindu renounce all forms of comfort and pleasure giving activities 40 days prior to the day, spending them in meditation and prayer. In Malaysia, it is not uncommon to see Chinese devotees carrying Kavadi observing the same rituals during Thaipusam.

With about 30 groups undoubtedly unique, Sarawak has always captivated lovers of adventure and no better appreciate the diversity than during Gawai Dayak, a harvest festival celebrated by the Dayaks, a collective term for the larger state indigenous groups.

A life good experienced visit longhouse, a traditional community living together which is unique in the Sarawak interior, Gawai Dayak attracts dozens of onlookers each year. Rooted in pagan origins, is full of fascinating ways to the complex rituals are conducted by respected elders to thank the generous spirit of the rice for the plentiful harvest season, and to make sure a repeat success next year.

Among rituals, a lot of eating, drinking and merriment take place on the 'Ruai', an open corridor along the Long House, where residents and visitors can enjoy the festivities. Exciting cock fight and blowpipe competitions torch to poetry readings and cultural show, there are a lot of excitement to fuel the joy of living. People happy, sociable, Dayak are known for their exciting dances, which are cultural interpretations of their daily routine. If you want to join (visitors often come to have the fun of being mere spectators) or relax in the cool bamboo Ruai, it is impossible to get bored. City dwellers often take the opportunity to return to their ancestral longhouse and many weddings are also held during Gawai Dayak.

Practise: The Dayak visit the cemetery to give offerings to their ancestors. Before entering the longhouse, it is obligatory to bath to ward off bad luck. An important ritual is "miring" (offering ceremony), when the leader of the party spots of blood sacrifices rooster and other offerings to honor the gods for their blessing. Each longhouse visitor is offered as a "tuak" part of a welcoming drink. It used to offend residents if visitors refuse to offer, but the unwritten rule has been assigned by the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in some religions.

Wear: During the Ngajat dance, the male dancers wear headdresses adorned with large hornbill feathers, Keep a decorative and long shield in their hand with chains, beads and loincloth called "cawat". Woman wearing hand-woven dress to the knee, decorated with a variety of colorful decorations. This is also the time for Dayak to display their heirloom pieces, usually antique silver beads or fine Iban silver jewelry.

Eat: Pekasam (fermented preserved fish with black beans) is among the must have as is tuak, a speciallly fermented rice wine served during any sort of Dayak entertainment or festivities, Penganan, a cake made from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk and ngelulun pulut, glutinious rice steamed in bamboo Vegetable dishes made with jungle edibles and midin(fern shoot) are also among the staples. When: 1 June

The festivals most anticipated Muslim Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) which marks the end of the fasting month, idyllic kampungs shake their habitual desire and burst into life as City Slickers Balik Kampung, local slang for the exodus mass of urban dwellers turn back to their villages or hometowns.

The first day of Raya (or the first day of Syawal month) usually start with special prayers in the mosque, followed by a visit to the ancestral graves. Throughout the Syawal month, Muslims have an 'open house'; friends, colleagues and neighbors are invited to participate in the festivities and delicious desserts.

If you have never experienced the journey for excellence in the Asian marketplace, Bulan Ramadan (fasting month) is a good time to do so. During this time the pasar Ramadhan (Ramadhan Bazaars) makeshift fast food stalls magically spring up overnight. For as early as 4.00pm , these food stalls dealing with brightly colored canopies will start display delicious kuih Raya, percik ayam (grilled chicken) and spicy rendang ( dry curries).

Eat: Ketupat (steamed rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves and toasted over woodfire) served with beef rendang (dry beef curry cooked with spices and coconut milk). Satay (grilled meat on a skewer). Lemang (stickly glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes). Serunding (meat floss fried with chilli) and curry chicken.

Wear: Malay women wear baju kurung, including a loose, long sleeves tunic worn over a sarong or kebaya consists of a tight fitting blouse, sometimes made of pure materials focused on a sarong or batik skirt. The men wear Baju Melayu. literally translated as Malay shirt, the set consists of a long-sleeved shirt with a raise collar known as cekak Musang (fox's lease) collar. pants of the same fabric as the dress and pleated skirt around the waist of the user. The songkok, jet black or dark colored headgear are often brought to the complete outfit.

Practice: On the morning of Raya, family members younger than seek forgiveness from their elders. The ritual begins with Salam (Muslim equivalent of the handshake), then kiss the hands of the older as a sign of respect. A saying often heard "Zahir Batin Maaf", which means "forgive my physical and emotional" (wrongdoings). Children and the elderly are given Duit Raya (gifts of moeny) in small envelopes with the color green, a practice influenced by the act of giving angpows during the Chinese New Year. In the last 10 days of Ramadan, the houses are decorated with oil or "Pelita", as the angels were supposed to descend and bless that particular night.

With loudness, colorful and with lots of feast, the Lunar New Year is the most important festival for Chinese people celebrated with great pomp, ceremony and symbolism for 15 days. The preparations begin months in advance, when families remove everything possible to ensure a smooth transition from one year to another. No corner of the house is left unswept to ensure residual bad luck is removed. No corner of the house is left unswept to ensure residual bad luck is removed. Fortunately magnets such as red couples bearing a promising themes of happiness, prosperity and longevity are displayed with pride. On the eve, family members near and far will come home for dinner for the all important family reunion dinner and feast on a sumptuous spread of dishes symbolizing health, wealth and happiness. Animated lion dance performances accompanied by energetic drums, gongs and cymbals herald the Chinese New Year. Children and unmarried get angpows (small red paper packets containing money) from their parents and elders for good luck.

Eat: Mandarin Oranges Similar to the Chinese word for gold, these cute citrus fruits symbolizing happiness and good fortune.

Nian Kou: A sticky sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour and sugar poured into a round banana leaf holders measuring two inches high. which is identical to the word high means greater wealth and position in the years to come.

Tray of togetherness: An octagonal tray (number eight symbolizing wealth), sweets and dried fruits snacks, each representing a desired attribute.

Yee Sang: A raw fish salad, tossed as high as possible to indicate an upward or growth greater prosperity for the coming year. It is not known how or when the practice began, but fortunately, Malaysia has adopted it as a Chinese New Year tradition for years now.

Wear: New clothes are a must, bright, vivid colors, especially red and gold, are preferred over somber shades. Wear black or white are a strict prohibited because they are associated with death and funerals in Chinese culture.

Practices: Sweeping the floor on the first day of New Year is a strict no no, as you might accidentally sweep away your chance for good luck and fortune. The third day of Chinese New Year, businesses are closed, and visitors are discouraged on that day, because it is believed that, among other things, an accident or misfortune may come to the family. Fireworks are lit to scare away evil spirits and ward off bad luck. This custom is probably inspired the legend of the origins of the festival. According to tradition, the man eating beast named Nian who terrorized ancient China was finally expelled by the noisy firecrackers.

In the Mid-Autumn or Mooncakes Festival are wrapped in fascinating myths. According to one, hidden in the uprising plans in mooncakes and distributed among friends and relatives led to the overthrow of the 14th century, the Mongol dynasty. Said another popular tradition, Chang Er, the wife of an ancient ruler, drinking the elixir of immortality and drifted to the moon, where she lived her life in the cold lonely Moon Palace with a furry rabbit for companion. The last story is often used as a decorating theme during Mid-Autumn Festival, which is why a wreck in the middle of gossamer dress ball moon is frequently adorn boxes of moon cakes and related items.

Today the festival is popular and considered a social gathering, and many people celebrate the event with a big party. In Malaysia, you can expect a lot of programs, including lantern parades and special events in public spaces such as parks and city squares.

Some Chinese families stay until the end of the season to 'Sai Yuet Kong', literally sunbathing on the moon. There are no fixed rules about how we celebrate the Mooncake Festival but friends and couples can find eating moon cakes at a time admiring the picturesque moon. It is considered the perfect time, if someone picks reflection of the moon in the center of his/her teacup.

Mooncake Festival is also sometimes called the Lantern Festival, children carrying lanterns lit and walk in groups around their neighborhoods. These lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, traditional forms made of colored paper, the latest cartoon characters or pop-icons, usually made of plastic and powered by batteries.

Eat: Traditionally, round and filled with lotus paste and duck egg yolks, the current mooncakes have come a long way. From tiramisu and truffle cheese and green tea, which are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and filings.

The Portuguese conquistadors may have left centuries ago, but their rich heritage is now as colorful and vibrant, as seen during the Festival of San Pedro. Celebrated every June 29 of the Eurasian community (descendants of Portuguese) in Malacca, the festival celebrates the anniversary of St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. In the past, the festival was an excuse for fishermen to party and forget their everyday lives. While the population of fishing may have decreased, people today continue to honor the glory days of their ancestors through songs, dances, carnivals and religious rituals.

The day of the festival, thousands of visitors and descendants of Portuguese-Eurasians attending Mass at the Assumption Church of the Ujong Pasir before move out into the street. A Parade float moves from the Porta de Santiago to Portuguese Square. The streets are humming with dances, cook-offs and singing, It is said that this might be the only place where you can listen to songs in the rarefield Portuguese-Malay language known as Cristao.

The highlight of San Pedro is probably the fishing contest decorated boat. Boat owners decorate their pride and joy with flags, buntings, fishing gear, life size plywood and even biblical quotations on scrolls and candles on the boat. Winning the grand prize is secondary, and the lit candles are sign of thanksgiving to the light of Christ who guides the fishermen through the storms of life.

Eat: As the name suggests, Debal (Devil Curry) is impiously of spicy chicken, seasoned with candlenuts, turmeric powder, galangal and vinegar and is a regular main dishes of Krisitang Eurasian (Cristao) food.

Traditionally, the Kaamatan festival is a way Kadazan Dusun's to thank the spirits for a Bountiful rice harvest but It has became an important cultural heritage and showcase for all the local communities, whose numbers nearly 40 today. Throughout the month of May, every village and every district organize its own celebration , which culminating in a grand finale in an annually open field or tamu.

Filled with elaborate rituals, music, songs and dances, activities can vary from place to place, but the two ceremonies are the pillars. One is Magavau, thanksgiving ritual to the rice Bambazon spirit. To thank the rice spirit Bambazon for a year of great abundance, the chief priestess or Bobohizan singing and dancing around a conical wicker basket of paddy stems or stalks. The highlight of Pesta Kaamatan is the support of the Harvest beauty queen or Unduk Ngadau. It is not only a feast for the eyes.

It is said that Kinoingan, the creator sacrifice his only daughter Huminodun to ensure the survival of his people in times of famine. her head turned into coconut, her flesh paddy, her blood red rice, her fingers ginger, her teeth maize, her knees yam, and so on. In honor the sacrifice made by Huminodun, Unduk Ngadau is conducted to find for the idea Kadazandusun maiden who must embody Huminodun's noble qualities .

Eat: Hinava tongii or cerviche. A spicy dish made of raw fish, red chillies, grated ginger and chopped shallots, soaked in lime juice to cook the fish, and often includes grated seed Bambangan, a mango unique only to Sabah.
Pusas: Similar to Spanish tapas, refers to any meat dish eaten with their wines or liquor. Tondut: is specially fermented rice wrapped in leaves.

Wear: Many of Sabah's the traditional clothes are made of black fabric as in the past, people could simply extract the color from a few different colors of vegetables and plants. To reward the dark-colored accessories with antique pearl necklaces, silver jewelry and hand-engraved silver belt which are often precious family heirlooms.

Practice: Meat base dishes are recommended, it is believed that green vegetables connote disrespect is Bambazon as a guest. Only the best tapai (fermented rice wine) is served to preserve the qualitative spirit and welfare of Bambazon. The Priestess or Bobohizan singing and dancing around a conical wicker basket of rice stalks. The ritual symbolizes the search for lost and stray Bambazon parts that are then taken home for safety.
When: 30-31 May every year.