MalaysiaResource:http://www.geographia.com/malaysia/activities.html
Time:2009-02-28 15:40:57
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. One is never at a loss for a place to stay in Malaysia. The country's cities and major towns have a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Most international-class hotels cater to total living requirements and as such, one can easily find restaurants, entertainment outlets and fitness centers within the hotel complex.
Festivals
Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration marking the end of a Muslim month of fasting and abstinence, Ramadan. It is a special occasion for Muslims. Hari Raya Puasa officially begins at the sighting of the moon on the day before the next month on the Muslim calendar, Syawal. The first moon of the month of Syawal is sighted by religious elders in the late evening from several vantage points in Malaysia. The festival actually begins the following day, ushered in by prayers at the mosque early in the morning, and a visit to the cemetery to pray for the departed souls of loved ones. Then, of course, comes the feast.
Thaipusam (late January or early February)
Thaipusam, a day of consecration to the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, sometimes also called Lord Subramaniam. A feature of the festival is the carrying of a kavadi, a frame decorated with colored papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits as a form of penance. In Kuala Lumpur, Hindus carrying the kavadi make the annual pilgrimage to the Batu Caves in Selangor, where the kavadi is carried up the 272 steps to the entrance of the great cave and deposited at the feet of the deity.
On the eve of Thaipusam, the grounds of Batu Caves are transformed into a fairyland of lights. Kavadi-carrying begins after sunset. Devotees and penitents carry Kavadis, which are gaily decorated wooden or steel paraphernalia. Some have entered a trance, and pierced their cheeks, tongues, or foreheads. The next day they will return to their ordinary lives, cleansed. Open-door observers of the kavadi do not have to participate in this ritual unless they really, really want to. Apart from the mortification of flesh, other forms of devotion are practiced, such as honey or milk offerings.
Wesak Day (May 25)
This is the most important day of the Buddhist Calendar as it marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Buddhist devotees will gather in temples throughout the country to release doves and to offer prayers. Wesak is also an occasion to offer alms to monks and give free meals to the needy.
A delightful cultural event to celebrate the birthday of the patron saint of fishermen, San Pedro. The fishing boats, which are colorfully decorated for the festival, are blessed and prayers offered for a better season.
Malaysia Fest (September)
Pesta Malaysia, or Malaysia Fest, is a two-week affair held in September of every year. First held in 1987. it aims to create awareness and appreciation of Malaysian culture, craft and cuisine. This is one of the best times to make your journey to Malaysia if you are a new visitor. All the thirteen states of Malaysia participate in the event, which is held in Kuala Lumpur. Among the programs and activities visitors can look forward to will be cultural shows, demonstrations of the beautiful Malaysian handicrafts, and cuisine of the thirteen states. Streets are strung with lights, while shopping complexes and hotels compete for awards in creative light decorations. If you can only make it to one festival, this is the one to aim for.
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.
The other specialty of the festival is the Mooncake itself. These cakes are rich, round pastries filled with a mixture of sweet red bean paste, lotus nut paste, or salted egg yolk. It is said that secret messages of revolt carried inside these cakes led to the uprising which deposed the Mongol Dynasty.
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