Malaysia is the melting pot of a variety of cultures, ethnicities and religions. It is a land where the yearly calendar is filled with a plethora of festivals and events. The people of this country consist of Malays and descendents of Bugis, Javanese, Chinese, Indians and others. And each community seems to have contributed something of their own to fill Malaysia with festivity, goodwill and celebration the year round.
As Malaysia is inhabited by different communities who follow different religions, their festivals are myriad. Some of them are public holidays. The people of this land celebrate international festivals like Christmas and New Year’s Day. Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival and Chinese New Year, which are specific to the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist-Taoist and Chinese communities respectively, are also celebrated with equal zeal. And then there are those which are uniquely Malaysian and are restricted to specific states- Hari Raya Puasa, Thaipusam, Wesak Day, Kaamatan Festival, Gawai Festival, Festival of San Pedro, Flora Festival, Mooncake Festival, Thaiponggol, Harvest Festival, National Water Festival, Malaysia Festival, Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
As you can see, Malaysia is truly a land where festivities are not lacking. These festivals are celebrated together by its people without any thoughts given to religion and community. This message of goodwill is proved by the common gesture shown by people during the festivals- they keep an open house welcoming their friends and acquaintances. The many festivals actually help to bind the many different threads that make up the rich fabric which is Malaysia.
