Malasian festivals

   Malaysia is a country that has an ancient history. We have spent wars and other conflicts that made us the nation who we are now. Today we celebrate our national identity through dates that commemorate the events of our nation:

• Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, a date between January 21 and February 20, because the Chinese follow the Lunar Calendar. Is celebrated over a period of 15 days, beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a joyful occasion marked by family reunions, giving of red packets by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers.

• 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 and around the Waterfall temple in Penang. Thaipusam always take place in January, early February as the festival follows the Lunar calendar.

• The Independence Day, in Malay Hari Merdeka. This holiday is in August 31. This day, we commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31 (1957). The Merdeka starts off with a grand parade. These events will take place in Kuala Lumpur.

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the time when you can meet the King and Queen of Malaysia personally. This is your chance to shake hands with them, as well as take pictures  at the Istana Negara (the Royal palace)  the official residence of the King. Malaysians have this great tradition which is called "open-house", a warm showing of what is known as Malaysian hospitality. Doors are opened to friends and foes. It does not even matter if you do not know your hosts! Just wish them Selamat Hari Raya and enjoy the glorious feast prepared for this celebration. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most joyful of Muslim celebrations celebrated after Ramadhan, the fasting month. This is also the time when Muslims working in the towns and cities make an exodus for their kampung or villages.

Amira