Two things define Malaysian culture: the food and the festivals where excitement exists. International students from various cultures may have questions about Malaysia, and its Cultural and historical background. Most people in Malaysia are of different races and thus have different festivals too. Below you will find a brief overview of A Guide to Malaysian Festivals for International Students.
Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural nation due to its geographic location and long history. The population includes Malaysians, Chinese, Indians, and other indigenous people. This diversity is evident in the Malaysian languages, customs, religions, festivals, and foods. Malaysia’s traditional background is based on its indigenous, colonial background, and colonial influences from neighboring countries. This can be illustrated through artwork, music, dancing, and even craftwork.
Malaysia is a country that is vibrant with festivals and events all through the year. Being a part of these festivals and events is one of the possible ways of observing the local cultures, history, traditions, and religions in Malaysia. Students in Malaysia enjoy every festival and event that is ever held in the country with so much energy. Malaysia has welcomed every culture, and this is why there is so much vibrancy in the celebrations.
Malaysian Festivals For International Students
Cultural Festivals
In cultural fairs that are displayed at the university, several Malaysian cultures and traditions are showcased. Usually, such events are characterized by traditional costumes, food stalls, music, and dance.
Various programs included local games, practicing Batik, arts and crafts, etc. They are a good chance to improve intercultural competence and escape academic stress. It is very enjoyable and helps to reduce stress while discovering a new culture.
Sports Festival
Malaysian universities conduct a sports festival every year. They give the students a chance to display their talent in sports. These are major sporting events and involve common games and sports, such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and tug-of-war among others.
They encourage a healthy lifestyle and cooperation. such activities also help international students familiarize themselves with traditional sports such as sepak takraw or petanque. These activities not only entail physical performance and cohesiveness but also act as channels for the exchange of culture.
International Food Festivals
It is always good to state that food is indeed an example of a language that is understood in every corner of the world. Some of them are International Food Festivals where universities and colleges in Malaysia embrace the World’s Cuisine. They provide students with a wonderful opportunity to taste all kinds of food.
Students feel different products originated from various parts of the world. It offers an awesome list of dishes. Malaysian kuih to Thai Tom Yum, Middle Eastern Mandy Chicken Rice and Baklava, spiced tea, and much more.
Foreign Language And Cultural Exchange Programs
Malaysia has more than 130 languages. people embrace diversity as it is one of the biggest assets of the culture. Universities in Malaysia offer, language and cultural exchange programs. The exchange activities, informative sessions, and cultural performances. students gain more insights into global diversification and practice language proficiency.
Such programs make it possible to facilitate interactions and increase cultural content. This helps students to develop cultural sensitivity and encourages the growth of a culturally sensitive and globally competitive campus.
Talent Shows
The talent shows that are now common in institutions in Malaysia are a live exhibit of the talents that are spurring in university. People from all diverse cultures gather to showcase their talents in music, dancing, poetry, comedy, drama, and many other fields.
These events help the students to air their opinions, gain confidence, and also interact with fellow students. They appear in talent shows to participate in and share the rich university culture, and milestones of college life.
Cultural Malaysian Festivals For International Students
Hari Raya
Hari Raya Puasa
The term ‘Hari Raya’ means ‘day of celebration’ in the Malay language. A prominent Islamic holiday is Eid Ul-Fitri, celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and popularly known in Malay as Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. This event occurs when the new crescent of the moon is visible a day before the next month according to the Muslim calendar, Shawal.
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji is the ‘holiday of the haj,’ which is the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. This festival is celebrated by Muslims to show respect or pay homage to pilgrims who have completed their haj to Mecca. Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the 10th of Dzulhijjah which is the last month in the Muslim calendar. Another name for it is the festival of sacrifice which is known as Hari Raya Qurban. It’s common for a cow or a goat to be killed and offered as food to the poor people, mostly as a symbol of generosity.
Chinese New Year
There is a strong factorization of Malaysian Chinese culture and customs. A large number of people in Malaysia are Chinese. Chinese New Year is celebrated on a large scale with pop and glamour. It is considered one of the largest events in Malaysia. The Chinese set up their homes, streets, buildings, and other structures and places with the red touch on this Event. Malaysia became red during this time.
All the Chinese populations in Malaysia reunited with their families. They prepare several foods in one day which are associated with life, energy, and riches. This festival is also held at the beginning of Spring in China. The festival itself starts on the first day of the lunar year when the new moon is visible and lasts until the 15th day called Chap Goh Meh, or the day of the full moon.
Deepavali
Deepavali, known as the ‘Festival of Light is the most colourful festival in Malaysia. The local Hindus celebrate by drawing geometric designs on the floor using colored charcoal. same time They spit colored rice on the designs. Everyone is allowed to participate in the occasion, as it happens in people’s houses or even in some public places.
Light is important in Hinduism and that is because it symbolizes goodness. Thus, during the Festival of Lights, ‘deeps’, or oil lamps, must be kept burning throughout the day. The night is a sign of triumph against darkness and evil.
Wesak
This is another Buddhist festival that people celebrate in honor of the three milestone events. Namely the birth, enlightenment, and final breaking of Nirvana by the Buddha. The celebrations begin at sunrise as the Buddhists flock to various Buddhist shrines and temples to perform martial arts and meditation. Special supplication or thanksgiving prayers are said during the Wesak Day celebrations. One of the biggest attractions of this festival is the float procession of the sacred statue of Buddha.
Thaipusam
This is a Hindu festival which is celebrated by the Tamil community in Malaysia. It begins with a mole from Sri Mahamariamman Temple through the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Then it goes on as far as 15 kilometers to Batu Caves. Every pilgrimage is a journey that takes the devotees 8 hours in total. The procession involves climbing up 272 steps to reach the top of the cave. More than one million people attend it and it also has several tourists who are from other countries take part in this occasion.
It involves devotees bringing sacrificial burdens, called kavadis, and getting themselves sacrificed to get a blessing from God Murugan. This festival is also celebrated in another cave site in Penang. This festival is celebrated in a cave site known as Gua Tempurung which is found in Penang. ‘Thai’ stands for the month and ‘Pusam’ stands for a star. This festival is celebrated in January or February when the star is at its highest.
Malaysian Festivals Water
The Malaysia Water Festival is a colorful Hindu festival that is celebrated annually at the start of the spring and New Year. This massive celebration takes place in the Malaysian state of Penang and hinges on the central event of the Thaipusam. In Thaipusam, Hindus perform a pilgrimage where they carry structures that have been brilliantly decorated known as kavadis to Lord Murugan. There’s also cultural dancing, food sellers who fry delicious-smelling foods flower sellers, and families going to pray in Hindu Shrines. The Malaysia Water Festival is filled with colorful parades, cultural ceremonies, and an array of music and dance that captures the tradition of Malaysia.
Independence Day/ National Day
On 31st August 1957, they celebrated their independence day. Malaysia at the time known as Malaya eventually gained its independence after a long period of colonization. Major events occur at Merdeka Square in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. On the 31st of August, as it gets dark, a firework begins to light up the sky. The people of Kuala Lumpur to kick start the Independence Day festivities. In the afternoon, there will be floats in the streets and final performances by school children and civil servants. There are live concerts where thousands of locals go to the venues to enjoy the ceremony.
Malaysia Christmas Celebrations
Being a multicultural country, Malaysia is filled with the spirit of Christmas right from December. Large centers such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang illuminate with bright lights, great performances, show fireworks, and festive markets. One great event is the Penang Carnival, which includes food sales, handicrafts, and games on the beach. Some of the traditional Christmas foods embraced by the Malaysian people also incorporate Malay, Chinese, and Indian elements. For example, roast turkey with rice stuffing and ginger sauce. Many churches across the country celebrate the joyful Christmas Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve. In Malaysia, people celebrate Christmas with caroling, fireworks, and palm trees swaying in the background.
The Dragon Boat Festival
The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is probably the biggest event. That takes place in Penang and is a tourist’s delight. This festival is an annual two-day event. That is organized by the Penang State Tourism and it runs from 9 am to 5 pm. Malaysian and international racers take their flashy traditional boats to the Teluk Bahang Dam 18 km from Georgetown for a competition with the rhythmic beats of drums.
Rivals are from across the Southeast Asia region which includes Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. There is a lot of local food, local people prepare and sell there is entertainment too to keep the people engaged. The Dragon Boat Festival is a colorful event and is one of the preferred ones by the locals and tourists who are in Penang.
Conclusion
For an international student studying in Malaysia, engaging in such Malaysian festivals will be a nice way of interacting with the culture. Malaysia is made up of a lot of communities. you not only get to enhance the academic experience but also get to know more about Malaysian culture and their way of living.
To ensure that you get the best of your educational experience. AEL Consultants is ready to help you select the right program to cultural immersion in Malaysia.
