Pahang boasts of a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, where people of different religion and nationality live together in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. This feature of the state can be observed in the Festivals of Pahang. Some of the important festivals celebrated in Pahang are Chinese New Year, National Water Festival, Mentakab-Temerloh Run, National Day, Malaysia Fest, Shopping Carnival, Deepavali, Christmas and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.
Chinese New Year is celebrated in the month of January or February. During this auspicious festival friends and relatives share "angpows" or red packets containing gifts of cash that signifies prosperity. Feasts are common during the festival and family reunion dinners are integral aspects of the festival. Lion dances are also performed to drive away evil spirits and to welcome the lunar New Year.
National Water Festival is celebrated during the month of April or May. The festival involves a showcase of the major beach sports and activities like Canoeing and Jet Skiing and fun activities like 'catch the duck' and 'log walking fights'. The festival continues for a month and this period is also marked by numerous cultural and musical performances.
National Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and vigor, every year on 31st August. The day marks the independence of Malaysia and on this occasion the state is decorated and embellished with lights.
Malaysia Fest is celebrated in the month of September and it continues for two weeks. During this festival al the hotels and shops are decorated and the culture, cuisine and handicrafts of Malaysia are promoted. Shopping Carnival is another popular event in Pahang that attracts both the local residents and international tourists. These two weeks are best for shopping.
Deepavali or the "Festival of Lights" occurs in the month of October or November. Deepavali is celebrated by the Hindus; the festival marks the victory of good over evil. During the festival people adorn their houses with lights and sweets are distributed.
Christmas is celebrated on 25 December with a lot of fervor. Midnight services are held at churches of the city and on the eve of Christmas shopping centers, hotels, and children's homes reverberate with beautiful carols.
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is a Muslim festival that is celebrated after the month-long Ramadan or the fasting month. People visit the mosques during this festival and pray to God, thus ushering in the New Year.
For more information on Malaysia visit Travour.
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