The Malaysian calendar is packed with religious holidays, something which no other country can boast of. Friends from all over the world are welcomed into every Malaysian home with pomp and grandeur for the festival.

Some of the major festivals celebrated in Malaysia include Hari Raya Puasa, Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Wesak Day, Kaamatan Festival, Gawai Festival, Festival of San Pedro, Flora Festival, Malaysia Festival and much more. Indian festivals such as Deepavali and other festivals such as Christmas and New Years are also celebrated with equal Pomp and Grandeur.

Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration of marking the Muslim month of fasting and is a special occasion for Muslims. It officially begins with the sighting of the moon on the day before the start of the next Muslim calendar month. The first moon in the month of the Muslim Calendar is sighted by religious elders in the late evenings from several vantage points across Malaysia. The festival actually begins the following day starting with a prayer in the morning at the mosque and then visiting the cemetery to pray for the departed souls of loved ones.

Thaipusam is a day of consecration to the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan also known as Lord Subramanium. A feature of the festival is Kavadi which is carried. The Kavadi is a frame decorated with colored papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits as a form of penance. Hindus carrying it make the sacred annual pilgrimage to the Batu Caves in Selangor. The Kavadi is carried up 272 steps right up to the entrance of the great cave and kept at the feet of the deity.

Other festivals such as Deepavali are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Malaysia. Deepavali, an Indian Festival is celebrated with much grandeur as in India. Firecrackers are lighted up in the sky to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Christmas and New Year celebrations are also held in Malaysia. The streets of Malaysia are beautifully decorated with bright lights and streamers. Shopping reaches its peak. Numerous nightclubs organize theme parties and the entire city wears a festive look.

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