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Malaysia has wonderful festivals celebrated throughout the year. People from many cultures live here, all celebrate their traditions with great enthusiasm. In turn, this makes the festivals in Malaysia very colourful and exciting. The Chinese, Malays, Indians and indigenous people all have their special days. The famous festivals in Malaysia celebrate the country’s rich past. Tourists thoroughly enjoy attending these celebrations. Every festival has its unique traditions. These festivals help unite people from different communities. They welcome visitors with open arms, and you will feel the joy and warmth during such events.
10 Exciting Festivals In Malaysia
The cultural festivals in Malaysia range from colourful food festivals to religious celebrations. Here are some popular festivals in Malaysia that one should not miss.
1. Thaipusam
Photo: Seelit2004 / Wikimedia Commons
Thaipusam is one of the most eye-catching festivals in Malaysia. This festival celebrates the Hindu God of War, Lord Murugan. Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur are famous for celebrations, and the celebrations are the most amazing. The temple cave can be accessed by ascending the 272-step staircase. During the festival, many devotees climb this mountain. The atmosphere is filled with chants, drums, and incense. It is observed around the start of February and carries the full moon of the Thai calendar.
Celebrated In: January/February (based on the Tamil calendar)
Location: Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur), Penang, Johor
2. Chinese New Year
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Chinese New Year in Malaysia is celebrated with great pomp for 15 days. Homes are cleaned and decorated with red lanterns and paper cutouts. Red, symbolising luck, is the dominant colour, and people wear new red clothes. Children receive ang pau (red envelopes with money). Lion and dragon dances fill the streets, accompanied by drums and cymbals. Families gather for reunion dinners, enjoying symbolic foods like fish, dumplings, and mandarin oranges, which represent prosperity, unity, and good fortune in the new lunar year.
Celebrated In: January/February (based on the lunar calendar)
Location: Nationwide, especially in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca
3. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid Al-Fitr)
Photo: Annas Arfnahri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, celebrated at the end of Ramadan, is Malaysia’s main Muslim festival. People wear traditional clothes like Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu. It begins with seeking forgiveness from family and friends. Homes are lit with pelita (oil lamps) and filled with festive treats like rendang, ketupat, cakes, and cookies. The ‘open house’ tradition encourages sharing with all, including non-Muslims, promoting unity. Special markets in cities sell traditional food and decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere and community spirit.
Celebrated In: Changes yearly (based on the Islamic calendar)
Location: Nationwide, with special celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Kelantan
4. Malaysia Water Festival
Photo: Jan / Wikimedia Commons
The Water Festival in Malaysia is a lively celebration enjoyed by people of all ages. Participants splash water on each other, creating a fun and joyful atmosphere. Coastal beaches serve as venues for activities like sandcastle competitions, fishing, kayaking, and traditional boat races. Brightly coloured boats race in the water, adding excitement. Cultural performances take place near the shore, enhancing the festive spirit. Local vendors offer delicious seafood, and the vibrant energy of the event brings happiness and unity to everyone involved.
Celebrated In: Mid-April
Location: Coastal areas including Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, and Terengganu
5. Wesak Day
Photo: Marufish / Wikimedia Commons
Wesak Day, an important Buddhist festival in Malaysia, marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Temples are adorned with flags and flowers as devotees offer incense, candles, and flowers. The day begins with temple visits and meditation, while monks lead prayers throughout. A key ritual is “bathing the Buddha,” symbolising soul purification. Vegetarian meals are freely served at temples as acts of charity. Candlelit processions take place, and releasing birds or animals reflects compassion and the wish to free all beings.
Celebrated In: May
Location: Buddhist temples nationwide, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Penang
6. Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival
Photo: Ricardo Unto / Wikimedia Commons
Tadau Ka’amatan is one of the cultural festivals in Malaysia. It is particularly important among the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group of Sabah. The purpose of this festival is to express gratitude for the rice harvest, as well as pay homage to the rice god, Bambazon. Traditional music is also played along with dances performed throughout the festival. The attire of Banjar is worn by men and women. The festival includes the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant, which symbolises the selection of the rice spirit.
Celebrated In: May (30th-31st)
Location: All over Sabah, with the primary focus of celebration in Penampang
7. Kuala Lumpur International Food Festival
Photo: Stanislav Rabunski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The annual Kuala Lumpur International Food Festival is one of the busiest food festivals in Malaysia. There is a special focus on local Malaysian cuisine. Renowned chefs showcase their culinary skills, and visitors get a chance to listen to lectures on both contemporary and classic cuisine. There are stalls selling street food that serve small portions at low prices. The festival of cultural cuisine is celebrated by aspiring and seasoned chefs. There are food-themed games and face painting. This event is accompanied by a spectacular lighting display conducted around the venue.
Celebrated In: April/May
Location: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
8. Rainforest World Music Festival
Photo: Tony Sebastian / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Rainforest World Music Festival is held in the stunning rainforests of Sarawak and lasts for 3 days, during which various artists from different countries perform their music. During the evening concerts, the artists perform a mix of modern and traditional music. The Sarawak Cultural Village is a special place, as it can be described as a living museum of the people of Sarawak. Local cuisine from different ethnic groups is available at the food stalls. Handmade souvenirs can be found at craft markets.
Celebrated In: July
Location: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
9. Deepavali
Photo: Suvan Chowdhury / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This festival is one of the most colourful festivals for the Indian community in Malaysia. Referring to it as the festival of lights symbolises how it marks the victory of light over darkness. The celebrations begin with the cleaning of houses, followed by the placement of decorative diyas. The entrance is decorated with rangoli made from rice flour or flower petals. Family members wake up early in the morning for the oil bath ritual. Sweet and savoury dishes are prepared in celebration of this day. It is truly a celebration of joy as everyone exchanges gifts.
Celebrated In: October/November (based on the Hindu calendar)
Location: Throughout the country, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Penang
10. Dragon Boat Festival
Photo: Newnujilb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Dragon Boat Festival in Malaysia honours poet Qu Yuan with vibrant celebrations. Highlighted by fierce boat races on lakes and rivers, each boat carries 20 paddlers guided by a front drummer. The boats are decorated with dragon heads and tails, and months of preparation go into the event. Spectators cheer from the shores, adding to the excitement. Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with pork, beans, or egg yolks, are enjoyed. Cultural performances take place between races, enriching the festive spirit.
Celebrated In: June (5th day of the 5th lunar month)
Location: Penang, Putrajaya, and other locations with suitable water bodies
Malaysia is known for its colourful, musical, and food-filled festivals. Celebrate devotion at Thaipusam, enjoy red decorations and lion dances during Chinese New Year, and join open houses for Hari Raya, Malaysia’s biggest festival. Don’t miss Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, or the Rainforest Music Festival’s vibrant mix of cultures. Discover joy, unity, and the cultural traditions. Plan your festive adventure now with TripXL and experience Malaysia’s most unique celebrations.
Cover Photo: Raveen Wijetilleke / Unsplash
