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Malaysia - land of festivals!
Malaysia has a large number of festivals and
events that happen year around reflecting
Malaysia's multi-racial ethnic mix of Malays
- descendants of the Bugis and Javanese,
Chinese, Indians and others.
Chinese New Year
A celebration lasting for 15 days beginning
from the first day of the Chinese lunar
calendar. The Chinese community ushers in
the new year with a joyful family reunion
dinner, a visit to the temple to seek the
blessings of the God of Prosperity and
giving 'ang pow' or red packets containing
money by parents to their children or among
relatives and well wishers.
Hari Raya Haji
Celebrated by the Muslims on the tenth day
of the last month of the Muslim calendar,
the conclusion of the pilgrimage in Mecca is
marked by the Hari Raya Aidil Adha
celebrations. Sacrifices of cattle or goats
are made by Muslims to commemorate Prophet
Abraham's test of faith by God when he was
asked to sacrifice his son.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is celebrated annually, in January
or February. This day of penance and
thanksgiving for Hindus begins with a grand
procession of the magnificent silver chariot
bearing the statue of Lord Subramaniam, the
God of Prosperity. In an atmosphere electric
with drumming and chanting, holy water is
sprinkled on the deity's route and thousands
of fresh coconuts are smashed, symbolising
the washing away of sins. This popular
celebration is held at Batu Caves and
attended bt tens of thousand of people every
year.
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