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Eid ul-Fitr
- a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims that marks the end of Ramadan- an Islamic holy month of fasting. This Muslim holiday is a time of giving and sharing in which Muslims wear their holiday attire and give money to less fortunate people. Eid ul-Fitr is the most important celebrations for the Muslims, they will greet the event with so much joy and young ones ask forgiveness from their elders. There will be lots of Malay delicacies dish up during this festive season. In addition, Muslims practiced an open house invitation for their friends and relatives to come in their home to celebrate with them. The celebration will last for a month in which the first three days are the most anticipated ones.
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Wesak Day
- the most important day of the Buddhist Calendar marking the three significant happenings of Buddha’s life- the birth, enlightenment and death. Buddhist followers flock to temples and offer prayers and meditate on the Eight Precepts, consists of the basic Buddha codes of ethics. In addition, people offer donations to monks and give free food to the needy. Wesak Day is highlighted by a beautiful candle procession.
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Kaamatan Festival
- also known as the Harvest Festival which is celebrated annually by the Kadazans/ Dusuns. The event is about the cultural life of the people and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. Kaamatan Festival is observed in six different ritual stages. There will be beauty pageant, cultural dances and rituals performed by high priestess called Bobohizan in which it adds color to the said event.
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Thaipusam
- a day of consecration to the Hindu deity that is observed on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar by Hindu people. Typically, before this big event, Hindus prepare themselves by fasting and dieting to maintain self-discipline. As the day arrives, tens of millions penitents and followers march their way to the Batu temple caves with an atmosphere of emotions that is accompanied with drumming and chanting. After the sunset, it will feature the carrying of Kavadi, a frame flanked with multihued papers, tinsels and fresh flowers.
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Deepavali
- usually known as the Festival of Lights that is commemorated by the Hindus in Malaysia. It is not called as Festival of Lights for nothing, for it is observed with great joy of liveliness and vibrant lights shining beautifully. In the big metropolises of the country colorful display of lights are commonly seen. Before Hindus begin the day, they will go in a special oil bath to cleanse their soul, clad their new clothing and visit to the temple. Furthermore, houses are light up with Vikku or oil lamps to send an invitation to Lakshimi (the goddess of wealth) to enter their home.
- Regatta Lepa Semporna
- it is about traditional boat races happening yearly on the month of April. Colorful sailboats sprawl in the ocean to compete for the major prize. The judging will based on the decorations, sambulayang, small flags, local ethnic music and the dance performances on board. Other attractions include lepa tug of war, rowboat and duck catching competition. This interesting event should be not missed, as it is certainly fantastic.
OTHER EVENTS TO CHECK OUT(National and State Holiday)
- January
1: New Year's Day
21: Birthday of Sultan of Kedah (only for Kedah)
- February
1: Wilayah Day (K.L.)
1: Federal Territory Day (only for KL, Putrajaya, Labuan)
- March
4: Anniversary of Coronation of Sultan of Terengganu (only for Terengganu)
- April
8: Birthday of Sultan of Johor (only for Johor)
15: Declaration of Malacca as A Historical City (only for Malacca)
- May
7: Birthday of Tuanku Raja Perlis (only for Perlis)
- June
1 - 2: Gawai Dayak Festival (only for Sarawak)
- July
19: Birthday of Tuanku Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan (only for NS)
- August
31: National Day
- September
17: Nuzul Al-Quran (Selangor)
- October
13: Birthday of Malacca State Governor (only for Malacca)
- December
8: Hari Raya Haji
11: Birthday of Sultan Selangor (Selangor)
25: Christmas
29: Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)
- Note: Dates are subject to change
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