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Top 5 Major Celebrations in Malaysia - What Are Malaysians Celebrating Each Year?
By:CN Pong

Malaysia is a multiracial country and throughout the year there are many celebrations and festive seasons but the five major celebrations are: -

Hari Raya Puasa Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is celebrated by the Muslims to mark the culmination of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting. During Hari Raya, it's a time to forgive and forget. It is also the time where the Muslims take a journey back to their hometown which is also known as "balik kampung" to visit relatives. This is also the time to receive and give duit raya - green packets consisting of money. Festive delicacies such as ketupat, lemang, serunding, satay are served during the celebration. Muslims hold "open house" throughout the festive month, where friends and neighbors of every race are invited. Nowadays, the Malaysia government will also hold "open house" on a national scale where Malaysians of all race and religion will come and celebrate the joyous season.

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year which also known as Lunar New Year in most part of the world, is celebrated by the Chinese in Malaysia just like the Chinese all over the world. Usually falls between January and February each year, depending on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year is the time for family reunion, lion dance, ang pow, firecrackers, mahjong and much more. The festival, which is also sometimes called "Spring Festival" begins on the first day of the lunar calendar year, and ends on the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Mei. Nowadays, the festival is celebrated by every race and religion in Malaysia, just like Hari Raya Puasa. In Malaysia, the first two days are gazetted as public holidays. Like Hari Raya, the Malaysia government will also hold "open house" for Chinese New Year on a national scale.

Deepavali Deepavali or Diwali is the Festival of Lights celebrated by the Hindu community in Malaysia during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. During Deepavali, Hindu devotees will wake up early for the ritual oil bath to remove impurities. "Open houses" are held where fellow Malaysians of different races and religions are invited for scrumptious Indian delicacies such as muruku, roti jala and rice pudding. Deepavali is gazetted by the Government as a one-day public holiday.

Christmas Christmas is celebrated in Malaysia like everywhere else on December 25 each year. Since Malaysia is a tropical country, the only thing missing in Malaysia is real snow and the cold winter season. Lately, most shopping malls in Malaysia are decorated heavily. There are even some which created "fake" snow in order to attract more customers.

Hari Raya Haji Hari Raya Haji is usually celebrated two months after Hari Raya Aidilfitri which also marks the end of the haj pilgrimage period. During this time, the sacrifice of animals such as cows, bulls, lambs and goats is performed. The animals are slain and the meat is then distributed. Hari Raya Haji is a federal public holiday in Malaysia.

CN Pong recommends to use 701Panduan, a Malaysia online business directory with comprehensive details with company info, Malaysia city guides and maps. Log on to search for Malaysia Online Directory and get free information on celebrations in Malaysia today - http://blog.701panduan.com/2010/01/25/5-major-celebrations-in-malaysia/.






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