Due to Malaysia's history, there are various different ethnic groups that practice different religious and cultural beliefs. Islam is the state religion, but other religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, etc. are practiced freely. All throughout Malaysia there are places of holy worship, all displaying the different beliefs of each religion. For example, one of the most famous Hindu shrines is the Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are atop a hill in which visitors need to climb 272 steps to reach the top where the cave temples are. It is here that everyday tourists and religious peoples come to admire the Hindu deity, Murugan, and every year, Hindu's come to celebrate Thaipusam, one of the most spectacular Hindu celebrations.
As a result of the various groups in Malaysia, there are many different holidays. Some of the most popularly celebrated are Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Wesak Day, and Christmas. Chinese New Year goes by the lunar calendar and is celebrated for 15 days, ending on a night of the full moon. Families clean their houses before it begins and invite family and friends over to celebrate. Lion Dance performances can be seen on the streets and children are rewarded with red packets filled with money. Deepavali is the Hindu festival of light and is celebrated in October or November every year. Families celebrating by having a feast and enjoying new clothes. Hari Raya Puasa is an important Muslim holiday that is held for two days after Ramadan. It is celebrated with feasts, new clothing, newly cleaned and decorated houses, and visits from family members. Also, it is then that children formally ask for their parents forgiveness for their misdeeds. Wesak Day, celebrated nationally, is Buddha's birthday. Buddhist's begin getting ready for this day weeks in advance with cultural events and children's parties. On the actual day, people crowd the temples and offer prayers, give alms to the monks, and release caged doves.
As a result of the various groups in Malaysia, there are many different holidays. Some of the most popularly celebrated are Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Wesak Day, and Christmas. Chinese New Year goes by the lunar calendar and is celebrated for 15 days, ending on a night of the full moon. Families clean their houses before it begins and invite family and friends over to celebrate. Lion Dance performances can be seen on the streets and children are rewarded with red packets filled with money. Deepavali is the Hindu festival of light and is celebrated in October or November every year. Families celebrating by having a feast and enjoying new clothes. Hari Raya Puasa is an important Muslim holiday that is held for two days after Ramadan. It is celebrated with feasts, new clothing, newly cleaned and decorated houses, and visits from family members. Also, it is then that children formally ask for their parents forgiveness for their misdeeds. Wesak Day, celebrated nationally, is Buddha's birthday. Buddhist's begin getting ready for this day weeks in advance with cultural events and children's parties. On the actual day, people crowd the temples and offer prayers, give alms to the monks, and release caged doves.
