Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr)
Season or date: Around 1st day of Shawwal (Islamic calendar)
The largest Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Families host open houses to welcome guests.
Festivals in Malaysia
Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country
Festivals
Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha)
Season or date: Around 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (Islamic calendar)
Festival of Sacrifice. Prayers at mosques followed by sacrificing livestock and distributing to the poor.
Chinese New Year
Season or date: 1st day of 1st lunar month
Chinese communities celebrate the new year with firecrackers and lion dances.
Deepavali
Season or date: Around 7th month of Hindu calendar
Festival of Lights. Indian communities decorate homes with oil lamps and perform prayers.
Malaysia Day
Season or date: September 16
Anniversary of federation formation. Flag-raising ceremonies and cultural parades.
King's Birthday
Season or date: First Saturday of June
Royal parades and investiture ceremonies celebrating the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday.
Penang International Georgetown Festival
Season or date: July
Arts and cultural festival in UNESCO World Heritage Georgetown.
Borneo Rainforest World Music Festival
Season or date: July
International music festival held near Kuching, Sarawak.
Kaamatan (Hari Kaamatan)
Season or date: May 30-31
Harvest thanksgiving festival of Sabah indigenous peoples, featuring traditional costumes and dances.
Thaipusam
Season or date: Late January to February
Hindu pilgrimage procession with kavadi-bearing devotees gathering at Batu Caves.
Public holidays
- Independence Day (August 31)
- Malaysia Day (September 16)
- New Year (January 1)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Vesak Day (Buddha's Birthday)
- King's Birthday
- Major Islamic festivals (Hari Raya Puasa/Haji)
- Deepavali
- Christmas