Malaysia, a small country with a total population of more than 30 million people is one of a kind. We are diversed with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural but yet we leave in a peaceful and harmonious environment because we are all Malaysians. Due to the diverse of religions, Malaysians are proud to celebrate all ethnic groups by granting us public holidays for each fest.

If you have a chance, do consider visiting Malaysia during the fest once in your lifetime experience where more than 1 million visitors of locals and foreigners come together to be part of Malaysians.

1. Thaipusam

A festival celebration celebrated by the Indian (Tamil) community with Hinduism religion. A huge fest celebrated at Batu Caves, a pilgrimage site not only for Hindu Malaysians but also Hindus worldwide. The processions that begin a day earlier from Sri Mahamariamman Temple by bare footed devotees walking their way up to the 272-steps stairways of Batu Caves leading them up to the Temple of the Caves, is a celebration dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. Witness some devotees carrying a huge kavadi of Lord Muruga or even long skewers of peacock on their shoulders that could even weigh up to 100kg. As brutal as it might sound, please worry not as no blood is shed during the piercing and removals of these kavadi bearers.

2. Citrawarna

A melodramatic fest consist of the variety of compenents including street performances, dance routines and cultural demonstrations of the difference of ethnicities in Malaysia. During this time of the year, the boost of marketing events made by hoteliers and travel agents are astonishing with local food tasting according to states and so on. A colorful event celebrated since year 1987. What is interesting is that you would see colorful presentation of dance such as the Lion Dance or Tanglung Dance for the Chinese ethnicity, Sewang by the aborigines, Deities by the Indians, Zapin or Joget by the Malays and many more.

3. Rainforest World Music Festival

A yearly 3-days music festival events celebrating the diversity of world of music. You’d be celebrating the time of your lives enjoying musicians all around the world taking place between July and August every year. Of course we are not talking about American commercial singers such as Beyonce or Celine Dion. These are musicians with ethnic music backgrounds, folklores, interactive group dance, instrumental varieties and much more. A different style of singing and dancing but definitely entertaining and well organized. The coolest event that should be in your list!

4. Merdeka Day Parade

Merdeka is literally translated as Independence. If you’d like to see how patriotism Malaysians celebrate our Independence day then this is the time. You’d hear our national anthem for the opening of the parade. National Flag named ‘Jalur Gemilang’, will raise along the national anthem. An important event to remember the the night of handover power from the British to Prime Minister-designate Tunku Abdul Rahman at 12am, the morning of 31st August 1957.

5. Dragon Boat Festival

A festival in remambrance of the War-State-Era poet Qu Yuan, who killed himself by jumping into a river. As the news spread, locals were rowing boats out on the water in an attempt to save him. As much it may seem harmless, rowing a boat consisting of more than 10 people is not as easy as it may seem. With improper precautions, the shape of the slender boat may easily capsized causing death. Nevertheless, all extreme sports are aspiring yet dangerous. Whats best about this festival is the spirit of winning as well as beautiful carvings of these boats from different countries that come for the competition.

As a conclusion, although there are much more happening events in Malaysia which we could lay out, but the above 5 events may trigger the dates that you wish to come and visit Malaysia. Write to us at enquiry@azukitours.com for more information on the above.