Malaysia, which is a part of South Asian countries, is known for its rich cultural diversity. This is the result to the country’s mult-ethnic population which includes Malays Chinese Indians and more. This diversity is shown in the many festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, where each of those communities has their own unique festivals and traditions that contribute to the country’s numerous festivals that are held based on the belief of each community.

A Hindu festival which is held in order to celebrate the victory of the Hindu god of War, as well as to commemorate the event when his mother, Parvati bestowed him the divine spear ‘Vel’ to beat the demon Soorapadan. The festival is particularly known for its elaborate ceremonies and rituals at one of the most famous tourist attractions in Malaysia, Batu Caves.

The most unique part about Thaipusam festival is where a number of devotees carrying decorated ‘kavadis’-which is usually made from wood and metal decorated with peacock feathers flower and colorful beads- as a form of penance and thanksgiving fulfilling vows that are made to Lord Murugan. Other than that some of the devotees would also do some fire walking attractions which have them walk barefoot through burning coals as another test of their faith.

Chinese New Year which is also known as Lunar New Year or even Spring Festival which is a festival celebrated as a joyous and vibrant celebration where it is time for families to reunite and also act as a symbol of new beginnings and hope for good luck in the upcoming year.

Because a quarter of the Malaysian population are of Chinese descent, Chinese New Year is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the country. The festival is usually celebrated by hanging a bright colored red decoration symbolizing good luck and prosperity, and usually they would buy new clothes symbolizing a fresh start of the year. Other than that, families will also gather together and have a grand fest, giving out and receiving red envelopes filled with money from the elderly, and one of the most iconic attractions of the Lunar New Year celebration is their Lion Dances and Firecrackers.

Another major festival celebrated in Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is also known as Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous and highly anticipated celebration for Malaysian Muslims, marking the peak of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a vibrant festival filled with family gatherings, delicious foods, and a spirit to forgive and do a renewal as to become a better being.

In the morning of the actual festival, Muslims would attend special prayers at mosques, and the families would gather for some breakfast meals which often consist of ketupat and rendang. At the end of the day, there is a tradition where a family would visit their relatives and friends with their branded new clothes symbolizing a new beginning and exchanging greetings “ Selamat Hari Raya”.

Gawai Day which is formerly known as Dayak Day or Sarawak Day, is an annual festival as well as public holiday celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, Malaysia which is usually held on 1st and 2nd June each year. This festival is both a religious and social occasion that marks the end of the rice harvest season. It is the time for giving thanks for a bountiful crop and expressing gratitude to the Gods for their blessing. Gawai Day is usually traditionally held by giving offerings of food and drink to present to please the spirits and ensure continued prosperity throughout the year. Not only that, they would also be showcasing a traditional dance named Ngiling Bidai accompanied by a gong-like instrument called Batu Gong that is believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

A festival of lights that symbolized the victory of good over evil, the light over the darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Deepavali is an annual event that is celebrated by Hidus from all over the world including Malaysia. The day of deepavali would vary each year as it follows the Hindu lunar calendar but it is usually held around October or November.

The festival usually lasts for five days where during that time, people would usually celebrate it by doing some activities such as cleaning and decorating their homes with colorful lights, kolams and mango leaves. Many of them would also celebrate the festival by having a morning oil bath that symbolizes spiritual cleansing and purification. Fireworks and diyas would also be found during the festival which is believed to be able to ward off evil spirits, while the diyas symbolized the dispelling of darkness.

The exciting celebration of music, culture and nature that is held every year for about three whole days in Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sarawak Cultural Village on the base of Mount Santubong. Rainforest World Music Festivals is held in order to celebrate the music from the traditional music to world fusion and contemporary world music. They also showcase some daytime music workshops, a variety of cultural displays, craft displays as well as food stalls along the area. This festival is more than just a normal music festival, it is a celebration of unity in diversity portraying Malaysia which is full of diversity and culture from all around the world. Located amidst the lush rainforest in Sarawak, adding the unique experience and memories during your visit.

Another Major Festival in Malaysia that is celebrated annually each year by the Buddhist Community. Wesak day which is also known as Buddha's Birthday commemorates three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha, which is Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana which is the Great Buddha’s death. The Buddhist community usually celebrates this festival by visiting the temple to offer prayers, meditate and participate in chanting ceremonies. They would also do a symbolic bathing ritual performed in statues of the Buddha that symbolized purification and cleansing. During the evening, the devotees would participate in candlelit procession which symbolized the spread of Buddha’s teachings.

Aside from all of these festivals that are held throughout the year in Malaysia, there are still a lot more other exciting and fun attractions that you can find in malaysia. If you would like to visit Malaysia soon, Traveloka would be happy to help and guide you to book the flight tickets, hotels, even the attractions tickets with the best price! Moreover Traveloka often gives a budget friendly offer and discount that you must not miss! Hurry and book through Traveloka and get your best offer!