Festivals in Malaysia
With over 50 festivals celebrated throughout the year, Malaysia offers a spectacular array of cultural celebrations. Experience the colors, lights, music, and joy that make Malaysia truly festive.
Plan Your Festival VisitA Nation That Celebrates Together
Malaysia's multicultural society means there's always a reason to celebrate. From Islamic festivals like Hari Raya to Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, and indigenous harvest festivals - Malaysians embrace and celebrate each other's special occasions with genuine joy and enthusiasm.
50+ Annual Festivals
Malaysia celebrates more festivals per capita than almost any other country, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
Shared Celebrations
Malaysians of all backgrounds participate in each other's festivals, creating a unique atmosphere of unity and harmony.
Open House Tradition
During major festivals, Malaysians open their homes to friends and neighbors of all backgrounds, fostering community bonds.
Major Malaysian Festivals
Experience the most celebrated festivals that bring Malaysia's multicultural society together
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The most important Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan (fasting month). Celebrated with family gatherings, traditional Malay cuisine, new clothes, and the custom of "open house" where Muslims welcome visitors of all backgrounds.
Date: 1st of Syawal (Islamic calendar)
Duration: 1 month of celebrations
What to Experience
Open House Tradition
Visit Malaysian homes for traditional delicacies like rendang, ketupat, lemang, and kuih-muih
Traditional Attire
See beautiful baju kurung, baju melayu, and songket worn by celebrating families
Duit Raya
The tradition of giving green packets (money) to children and unmarried individuals
Balik Kampung
The annual exodus as Malaysians return to their hometowns for family reunions
Chinese New Year
The grandest celebration for Malaysian Chinese, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Experience lion dances, dragon dances, fireworks, family reunion dinners, and the vibrant red decorations that symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
Date: 1st of Chinese lunar calendar
Duration: 15 days (ending with Chap Goh Mei)
What to Experience
Lion & Dragon Dances
Spectacular performances believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits
Ang Pao (Red Packets)
Married couples give red envelopes with money to children and unmarried adults
Reunion Dinner
Lavish family feast on New Year's Eve featuring symbolic dishes like yu sheng (prosperity toss)
Temple Visits
Pray for prosperity, health, and good fortune at beautifully decorated temples
Deepavali (Diwali)
The Festival of Lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Malaysian Indians decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas), colorful kolam (floor art), and celebrate with family, sweets, and prayers.
Date: October or November (based on Hindu calendar)
Duration: Main day with weeks of preparation
What to Experience
Oil Lamps & Lights
Thousands of oil lamps and decorative lights illuminate homes and temples
Kolam Art
Intricate colorful designs created with rice flour or colored powder at home entrances
Traditional Sweets
Enjoy murukku, laddu, gulab jamun, and other delicious Indian sweets and snacks
Little India Celebrations
Visit Brickfields in KL or Penang's Little India for spectacular decorations and festivities
Thaipusam
One of the most dramatic and intense Hindu festivals where devotees carry kavadi (burdens) as acts of devotion to Lord Murugan. The pilgrimage to Batu Caves attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees and spectators.
Date: January or February (full moon in Thai month)
Main venue: Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
What to Experience
Kavadi Bearers
Witness devotees carrying elaborate kavadi structures, some with body piercings, as acts of penance and devotion
Batu Caves Pilgrimage
Join over 1 million devotees climbing 272 colorful steps to the cave temple
Spiritual Atmosphere
Experience chanting, drumming, and religious hymns creating an intense spiritual atmosphere
Cultural Significance
One of the largest Thaipusam celebrations outside India, attracting international visitors
More Malaysian Festivals
Wesak Day
Buddhist celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death with temple visits and charitable acts
Christmas
Celebrated nationwide with decorations, carols, and festive sales in shopping malls
Gawai Dayak
Harvest festival celebrated by indigenous Dayak people of Sarawak with traditional rituals
Pesta Kaamatan
Harvest festival of Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah featuring cultural performances and rice wine
Mid-Autumn Festival
Chinese festival featuring mooncakes, lantern parades, and family gatherings under the full moon
Dragon Boat Festival
Exciting dragon boat races and eating of zongzi (rice dumplings) in remembrance of Qu Yuan
Experience Malaysia's Festive Spirit
Time your visit to coincide with one of Malaysia's spectacular festivals and experience the joy and celebration firsthand