Although Malaysia is a Muslim country it is tolerant to other religions. While you are traveling in Malaysia it is very well possible you will join in one or another festival.
What are the most interesting festivals to experience?
THAIPUSAM
Thaipusam is the first Indian festival in the year in Malaysia. Although the festival is celebrated all over the country, the best places to enjoy the festival are the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.
Thaipusam always take place in January, early February as the festival follows the Lunar calendar.
Kuala Lumpur, never a good city to cycle around will be even busier in the area of the Batu Caves. Best advise is to leave your bicycle in the HOTEL AND
either walk to the sites or take some public transport.
either walk to the sites or take some public transport..jpg)
CHINESE NEW YEAR (CNY)
Chinese New Year is the first Chinese festival in Malaysia in the year. It is one of the most important events for the Chinese people all around the world.
Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, a date between January 21 and February 20, because the Chinese follow the Lunar Calendar.
Chinese will hang outside the house red lanterns usually a week before the the actual Chinese New Year is celebrated. The house will be cleaned and new clothes be bought. Some families and shops will have lion dances to clean the house from evil spirits.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Malaysia's Independence day is celebrated on August 31. Every year, a free open air concert is held on the eve of Merdeka (independence) to jumpstart the celebrations.
The Merdeka starts off with a grand parade. These events will take place in Kuala Lumpur. In other cities there will be similar event take place.
RAMADAN AND HARI RAYA
Malaysia is a Muslim country. Every year the Muslims celebrate the Ramadan, the month of fasting. Muslims are not allowed to eat from sunrise to sunset.
For cyclists on the east coast this might be they have to organize their food in advance as the Muslim restaurant (and even some hotels) will be closed during the day.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to sample a variety of food special made for the Ramadan. You will not be disappointed!
The last day of the Ramadan is called Hari Raya and it's a great day to celebrate this important day for the Muslim population with some Muslims. It's very easy to find a nice place to find out how they celebrate the end of the Ramadan and how the Chinese and Indian join them in the celebrations.
Chinese and Indians are a little more reserved with eating in public not to offend the Muslims. However, Chinese and Indian restaurant are normal open.
MOON FESTIVAL
The Moon festival takes place in early October. It is also known as the "Mid-Autumn Festival". Except the Chinese New Year there is no more important festival for the Chinese population world wide.
DEEPAVALI
Deepavali is the festival of light though the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". It is a 5 days festival usually held between October 13 and November 14. It is a National Holiday in many countries including Malaysia.
As most of the Indians in Malaysia are Tamils from the south, the actual day of the festivities is the third day. Hindus wake up well before dawn, as early as two in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams / rangolis outside their homes.
It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges.
The best way to experience Deepavali is to be with some Indian friends. Many households will have extensive dishes prepared and will visit relatives.
Although Deepavali is not an extravert festival as Thaipusam, it is a great festival to get in touch with the local Indian culture. And as said, the best way to visit Indian families.
