Most religious festivals are public holidays and celebrated nationwide regardless of race or belief. There are many fascinating observances in this culturally-rich land of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The festivals and new years do not have fixed dates as Christmas does. They are determined by calculations on the lunar calendar which means that no dates are the same from year to year.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the time when you can meet the King and Queen of Malaysia personally. This is your chance to shake hands with them, as well as take pictures (and gawk) at the Istana Negara (the Royal palace) - the official residence of the King. Do drop in as well to the Prime Minister's official abode at Seri Perdana in Jalan Damansara. But please be warned - the queue could stretch for miles! But it is an experience not to be missed.

Malaysians have this great tradition which is called "open-house", a warm showing of what is known as Malaysian hospitality. Doors are opened to friends and foes. It does not even matter if you do not know your hosts! Just wish them Selamat Hari Raya and enjoy the glorious feast prepared for this celebration. Dress code for those who wish to pay their respects to the King and the Prime Minister is either formal, smart casual or long-sleeved batik.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most joyful of Muslim celebrations celebrated after Ramadhan, the fasting month. This is also the time when Muslims working in the towns and cities make an exodus for their kampung or villages. So avoid travelling by bus or train (or even by road) as it would be unpleasantly crowded. Special prayers are held in mosques and it is a season when Muslims ask for forgiveness from their family members and friends. Muslims will be dressed in new traditional clothes on this special day.

Thaipusam
This is one of the most colourful Hindu festivals in the country. Although a religious festival, its gaiety sometimes reminds one of the "Mardi Gras" in Rio De Janeiro.

It is said that on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati, are united into one. The Hindus believe that by celebrating Thaipusam, they are cleansed from all sins and that their sins can be redeemed in many ways. Thaipusam is celebrated in honour of Lord Muruga, a popular Hindu deity. Since the traditional abode of Lord Muruga is the hill, the celebration is held in hilly areas. The festival is celebrated on a grand scale at Batu Caves in Selangor. Before the actual day, Hindus taking part in the ceremony prepare themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining self-discipline.

On the eve of the festival, the bejewelled image of Lord Muruga is taken on a grand procession in a silver chariot from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Bandar in Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves where it is placed in the temple area. In an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting, holy water is sprinkled on the deity's route and thousands of fresh coconuts are smashed, symbolizing the washing away of sins.

Thousands of devotees converge on the temple grounds to pay hommage to Lord Muruga including penitents who carry 'kavadis' (ornate frames supported by metal spikes inserted in the bearer's body) and chant their way up the 272 steps of Batu Caves in fulfilment of their vows for favours received. The amazing sight is the ease with which the penitents carry the gaily decorated wooden or steel yoke anchored by hooked pierced into their body, with their tongues and cheeks also skewered with long metal needles - all without spilling a single drop of blood!

Another place where you can observe this religious festival on a big scale is the Waterfall temple in Penang.

Chinese New Year
This is the most important festival for the Chinese community. During this time it is customary to see almost all Chinese businesses close for several days. The festival begins with a reunion dinner on new year's eve, that is traditionally attended by every member of the family. The Lunar New Year is the time when spirits are appeased and offerings are made to the gods. During the joyous occasion, no member of a Chinese household is allowed to clean the house as spring cleaning is done during the last seven days of the old year. Brooms are stored away as the Chinese believe that sweeping the floor during the new year would mean sweeping away the good luck from the household.

The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. A visit to the temple to seek the blessings of the God of Prosperity and giving of 'ang pow' or red packets containing money by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers are also the order of the day. This practice coupled with the giving away of mandarin oranges is intended as a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the recipients. Another feature is a traditional lion dance.

Open houses are also held during this happy celebration. If you are in Kuala Lumpur at this time drop in at two major open houses held by two main political Chinese parties in Malaysia - the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Parti Gerakan. You will get the chance to meet most of Malaysias's top Chinese politicians and leaders.

And remember red is the colour of the day. Red is most auspicious because it symbolises luck and prosperity. Don't wear black because it is usually associated with mourning.

Hari Raya Aidil Adha
Hari Raya Aidil Adha or better known as Hari Raya Haji in Malaysia is actually the most significant religious celebration for Muslims. It marks the end of the annual pilgrimmage or Haj to the Holy City of Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims are asked to perform at least once in their lifetime.

Hari Raya Aidil Adha is based on the concept of sacrifice, and it is during this occasion that Muslims all over the world are encouraged by their religion to slaughter cattle, sheep or goats as a token sacrifice - symbolic of bigger sacrifices they are asked to uphold the sanctity of their religion.

Sacrifices of cattle or goats are made to commemorate Prophet Abraham's test of faith by God when he was asked to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrifices is distributed to the poor and needy. Special prayers and sermons are held at mosques in conjunction with the occasion.

Unlike Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Aidil Adha is not marked by the holding of "open houses" but is more of a solemn religious occasion. But like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, most Muslims make it a point to return to their home town for the celebration.

Awal Muharram
Maal Hijrah, the first day of the new Islamic calendar year, is celebrated on a moderate scale with gatherings at public halls and mosques where special prayers, sermons and Quranic recitals are held to usher in the Muslim new year. A 'Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah' is awarded to a Muslim personality to honour his contribution to Muslims and Islam.

Wesak Day
Wesak is celebrated by Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha - all three events having taken place on the same lunar date according to Buddhist reckoning. Buddhists observe a vegetarian diet to 'cleanse' themselves prior to the occasion. Thousands of devotees gather before dawn at temples for prayers, offerings, meditation, chanting and alms giving. Doves and tortoises are also released in a symbolic gesture of liberating the soul and forsaking past sins.

Sabah Kaamatan Festival
Known locally as Tadau Ka'amatan (Harvest Festival), this native festival of the Kadazan-Dusun, the largest ethnic group in Sabah is the grandest in the state. The annual festival in May is a timeless tradition in honour of Bambaazon, the spirit of the rice padi.

The Kadazan-Dusun community believes that his spirit is responsible for the growth and well-being of the padi plant, offering protection from natural hazards to usher in a season of bountiful harvest for their staple food. Ancient traditions, rites and customs are the order of the day.

Padi farmers from all over Sabah lay down their tools and converge in selected venues in the various districts to celebrate the festival. The highlight of the festival is usually held at the Hongkod Koisaan, the headquarters of the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Organisation situated 8km from Kota Kinabalu, the state capital. Here for two days, cultural troupes from all over the state perform traditional sports like arm wrestling, blowpipe shooting, catapult contests and relay racing with sticks.

The 'Magavau', a cleansing and blessing ritual performed by the Bobohizan or high priestess, will keep you spellbound. In recent years, the harvest Festival has undergone some modification from its traditional rituals of appeasing the spirits to include additional events such as a Beauty Queen Contest, usually participated by some of the most beautiful Kadazan maidens.

During the festival, 'tapai', the intoxicating local rice wine or brew flows freely. Being the staple food and the main ingredient of 'tapai', rice is treated by the Kadazan-Dusun community with a respect which borders reverence.

Sarawak Gawai Festival
The Gawai Festival or Harvest Festival in Sarawak also marks the culmination of the harvest celebration. The official date is June 1 (but the celebration is on for a whole month). It is an occasion when the Dayak race renew their friendship, forget their worries of the past year and make amends for old quarrels. It is an opportunity for new friendships, family reunions and to pay respects to the elders and the departed.

The 'Miring' or ceremonial offering is especially fascinating. In this religious ritual, the Dayaks together with their guests would participate by placing several different kinds of foodstuff and 'tuak' (local rice wine), on plates as an offering to the gods. A special poem for the occasion is then recited and a cockerel is sacrificed.

Once the offering ceremony is over, the main celebration begins. It is best to watch this celebration at a longhouse, the traditional home of the community (sometimes 40 families living under one roof!), where there is virtually non-stop feasting, dancing and merry making, and of course the 'tuak' flows just as freely too. 'Tuak' consumed in abundance can knock you out flat without any warning.

In the city of Kuching there are a lot of festivities going on - including a beauty pageant and cultural performances at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Holding an open house is also the order of the day.

The Birthday of SPB Yang Di Pertuan Agong
The official birthday of SPB Yang Dipertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia is celebrated with much gladness and affection by Malaysians from all walks of life. An investiture ceremony is held at the Istana Negara, the royal palace during which the King confers awards on those of His citizens who have rendered distinguished or meritorious service to the country. Various activities such as exhibitions, traditional entertainment and cultural events are usually held as part of the celebration.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad or Maulidur Rasul is an important event in the Muslim calendar marked by processions to demonstrate solidarity of believers. Prayers, sermons and religious discussions are held at this time to strengthen the faith and consolidate the spirit of the Muslim community.

National Day
Malaysia's National Day is celebrated on 31st of August in a show of patriotism, unity and rejoicing by Malaysians of all races and creeds. A spectacular parade is held in the morning at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to mark the occasion. His Majesty the King and government leaders are joined by a mammoth crowd in witnessing the parade. The 'Jalur Gemilang' (Malaysian flag) is proudly flown at office buildings, private homes and on vehicles. Stage shows, competitions and exhibitions are held in the various states.

Moon Cake Festival
The mooncake festival had its origins during the Mongolian dynasty in China. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth moon (August/September) with colourful lantern processions and the partaking of mooncakes.

Deepavali
For the Hindus, Deepavali or the Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of good over evil. Homes of Hindus are lit with lights to signify the victory over darkness.

On the eve of Deepavali, prayers are held both at home and in the temple. Traditional Hindus start the day by having an oil bath before sunrise, praying at home and burning incense before going to the temple. A show of respect to the elder members of the family is followed by "open houses" for relatives and friends, where a wide variety of delicious traditional Indian delicacies are served.

Christmas
The birth of Christ is celebrated here on 25th December just like it is everywhere in the western world and often on a grand scale. While their western counterparts regard Christmas more as a family affair, Malaysian Christians hold open houses for their friends and relatives. It's a merry affair.

There is much joy and gaiety as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with parties, carolling and evening mass. Streets, hotels and shopping complexes are decorated with brilliant lights and ornaments to create a yuletide atmosphere - the Malaysian way. The spirit of giving extends beyond homes and individuals as hotels, shopping complexes and corporate companies hold concerts and shows as well as organise charity drives.

Related Articles
* Festival Fever! - [ + Read ]
* Festival of Lights - [ + Read ]
* Malaysia Day - How the East was Won- By Manveen Maan [ + Read ]
* Of Ghost and Moon Goddesses - By Chad Merchant [ + Read ]
* Ushering in the Year of the Dragon- By Stephanie Vincenti [ + Read ]
* Xmas in the Malaysian Tropics- By David Bowden [ + Read ]
* Ushering in Prosperity- By Gigi Ivanna [ + Read ]
* The Batu Caves: Tolerance, Penance and Pain - By Aida Ahmad [ + Read ]