As Malaysia is a melting pot of a variety of cultures and religions, various festivals are celebrated. The more popular festivals are Hari Raya AidilFitri for the Muslims, Chinese New Year for the Chinese, Deepavali and Thaipusam for the Indians and Christmas for the Christian.
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that takes place at the end of January. It is a special religious occasion to honour Lord Subramaniam. During this festival, devotees thke part in an elaborate procession that leads to and from Lord Subramaniam’s temple. Some participants who have taken oaths or asked for forgiveness carry simple utensils like brass pots containing milk. Others choose structures decorated with crepe paper, leaves, beads and flowers. Many walk in a trance with hooks, spears and other sharp objects pierced through their bodies.
Hari Raya AidilFitri is an Islam festival that takes place once a year. Hari Raya is the mark of a new year according to the Islam calendar (takwim hijrah). As such, Hari Raya may fall on any month. On Raya morning, Muslims will go to the mosque to pray. Then, they will ask for forgiveness from people around them like family members, friends etc. However, before celebrating Raya, the Muslims will have to fast for one month. They fast so that they will know how poor people feel without eating anything the whole day. All Muslims will fast from around 5.45 am until around 7.30 pm. They get up early to have a light meal before they start to fast.
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