THAIPUSAM
Celebrations like these are sometimes referred to as the “Mardi Gras” of events. This is a Hindu religious celebration that is done with large street processions and the crushing of coconuts as a tribute to Lord Murugan’s triumph over the evil demon Soorapadam (Tan et al., 2020). It is a holiday in Malaysia that is highly awaited, one of a kind, and full of vibrant colors. Thousands of barefooted followers and sacramental confession with their bodies punctured with spikes and hooks from magnificent “kavadis” that they carry towards the mountain temples are accompanied by profound grandeur, chanting that are mesmerizing, and rhythmic drumbeats (Tan et al., 2020). This procession is known as the “kavadi yatra.” It is stated that the temples are placed on the highest points of the hills since there is where Lord Murugan makes his home.
As a result, it should not come as a surprise that the two most popular locations for Thaipusam celebrations in Malaysia are the 272 stairs that lead up to the temple at Batu Caves in Selangor and the Waterfalls Temple on the island of Penang (Tan et al., 2020). It is a day of atonement and purification for those who follow the Hindu religion. It is the most intense and unique “two thumbs up” experience of a lifetime for the locals as well as the hordes of interested tourists that come to check it out.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
The Chinese population is Malaysia’s second biggest racial group. As a result, the celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is an important one in many of the Asian nations (Tan et al., 2020). The celebration lasts for a total of fifteen days, starting on the eve of the new year with a homecoming family reunion dinner and ultimately resulting with the spring lantern festival of ‘Chap Goh Mei,’ during which unmarried women throw Chinese language oranges into the sea in the hopes of meeting potential partners(Tan et al., 2020).
As a result, large cities will be devoid of traffic, with the exception of shopping malls that will be decked up in holiday decorations for their sales (Tan et al., 2020). The color red is the theme of the day at the communities and residences where the buzz is happening. All new garb in crimson, red lanterns and other adornments, and of course, red ‘ang pow’ packages stuffed with cash to give as gifts (Tan et al., 2020). This festival is held both day and night, and it features spectacular dragon and lion dances, the throwing of yee sung, an armory of pyrotechnics, and firecracker blasts. All of these elements bring color and rhythm to the event.
HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI
Muslims all across the globe celebrate the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and the arrival of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, which marks the end of their month-long fast. It is a time for families and friends to forgive one another and count their blessings (Tan et al., 2020). The timing of the celebration is established by the observation of the moon, which is done everywhere and with more scientific precision currently. As a result, there is a reduction in both anxiety and ambiguity (Tan et al., 2020). During this national holiday, the phenomenon known as “balik kampung” is usually expected to cover up roadways from the metropolis to the rural outskirts as people go back to their hometowns to commemorate this joyous event with their relatives. During this month-long celebration of Hari Raya, everyone is looking forward to the morning community prayers, the gaiety of ‘open homes,’ and of course, tons of wonderful traditional Malay cuisine.
KAAMATAN HARVEST FESTIVAL
at the conclusion of their harvest season, the Kadazan-Dusun, the biggest ethnic group in Sabah, participate in an extraordinary ancient pagan festival called Bambaazon. This ceremony honors the spirit of the rice padi and is thousands of years old (Tan et al., 2020). This yearly festival of the tribal community brings together villagers and padi farmers from all across the state at a variety of locations to carry out rituals and ceremonies of purification and blessings on themselves and their land (Tan et al., 2020). Performers of traditional dance are often seen decked out in elaborate, multicolored ethnic costumes. This two-day event is made even more enjoyable by the presence of a large quantity of traditional tribal cuisine, including rice wines created at home (Tan et al., 2020). These days, there are also pageants, sports arm wrestling, and blow pipe exhibitions that show off the secret beauty of Kadazan maidens.
