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Three great religions - Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism - are represented in Malaysia, and they play a vital role in the everyday lives of the population.
Some religious festivals are celebrated at home or in the mosque or temple.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daytime for a whole month, but other festivals are marked with great spectacle.
Most of the festivals have no fixed dates, but change annually according to the lunar calendar.
Festivals of interest to visitors include:
January - February
Chinese New Year in January or February is welcomed in with Chinese operas, lion and dragon dance troupes and street parades.
Penang is the place to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Thaipusam (festival of) in late January is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals.
In Kuala Lumpur, devotees march to nearby Batu Caves.
In Penang the event is celebrated at the Waterfall Temple.
May
Kota Belud Tamu Besar is a huge tribal gathering held in May at Kota Belud near Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. There is a massive market, traditional ceremonies, ornately decorated horsemen, medicine men and tribal handicrafts.
A smaller tamu is held in Kota Belud every Sunday if you’re not visiting during May.
Wesak Day (May 25) is an event on the Buddhist Calendar as it marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
Kaamatan or Harvest Festival in Sabah (May 1 –31) is celebrated by the Kadazans / Dusuns in thanks for a bountiful harvest. Highlights include a beauty pageant, cultural dances and rituals culminating in a thanksgiving ceremony performed by the Bobohizan or high priestess.
Gawai Festival in Sarawak (end May or early June) The Ibans and Bidayuhs of Sarawak celebrate the end of padi harvesting season with dancing and the drinking of tuak, a potent rice wine. A fascinating Gawai dance is the Ngajat Lesong. A dancer displays his strength and skill by lifting the lesong (the mortar where padi is pounded) with his teeth.
June
Dragon Boat Festival in Penang, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu (June/July)
Festival of San Pedro, Malacca (June 24 - 26) Portuguese Settlement, Interesting cultural event to celebrate the birthday of the patron saint of fishermen San Pedro. The fishing boats, which are decorated for the festival, are blessed and prayers offered for a better season.
July
Flora Fest (July) This week-long festival culminates in a spectacular Floral Parade, whereby flower covered animated floats will make their way through the main streets of Kuala Lumpur, accompanied by marching bands, equestrian units and dance troupes.
The Flora Fest is held to celebrate the beauty of Malaysia’s blooms through various floral-themed events and competitions.
August
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts Yue Lan, there are many free performances of Chinese opera and wayang, or puppet shows (late Aug)
September
Navarathiri, Hindu temples devote nine nights to classical dance and music in honour of the deities (Sept-Oct)
Malaysia Fest (September) Pesta Malaysia, or Malaysia Fest, is a two-week celebration held in September of every year. It aims to create awareness and appreciation of Malaysian culture, craft and cuisine. All thirteen states of Malaysia participate in the event, which is held in Kuala Lumpur. As tourists flock the city to witness the festival, Kuala Lumpur is riddled with luxury cars we only usually see on car rental dublin galleries. Among the programs and activities will be cultural shows, demonstrations of the beautiful Malaysian handicrafts, and cuisine of the thirteen states. Mooncake Festival (September) The Chinese Mooncake Festival celebrates the overthrow of the Mongols during the end of the Yuan Dynasty (120G- 1341 AD) in China. It falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon (August/September). The festival is celebrated with colorful lantern processions on the night of the festival.
October – November
Deepavali (late October or early November) Deepavali or The Festival of Lights" is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar. Hindus celebrate it by decorating their homes with dozens of lights or oil lamps, called vikku, to signify the triumph of good over evil, and thus light over darkness. It is a day of festive joy and Malaysians visit their friends of Hindu faith to extend good wishes.
Kota Belud Tamu Besar, Sabah’s biggest annual market, which features cultural performances (Oct/Nov).
December
Christmas (December 25) The spirit of Christmas is celebrated in Malaysia, especially in hotels, department stores and homes of Christians. Christmas trees, decorations, Santa Claus and carols add to the festive air. New Year’s Eve As in many other countries throughout the world, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at public squares, hotels and restaurants.
The Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur is a particularly a good place to join in the fun, with people gathering at the square to usher in the new year. | 
