Thaipusam

Thaipusam fall usually in January or February
On this day, Hindus pay homage to Lord Muruga. In Malaysia celebrations normally stretch over two to three days with drums and music played throughout the day and sometimes into the night.
    Best place to see this is at Batu Caves (photo below ) (KL/ Selangor); Penang (Pulau Pinang), Sungai Petani (Kedah) and Ipoh (Perak). But do not be surprise if you see some Chinese participating in the rituals of this celebration
Watch Thaipusam Celebrations at Youtube HERE

Chinese New Year 2012

Year of the Dragon 2012
Chinese New Year 2012 falls on January 23, 2012. This New Year is a cultural festival that is celebrated by Chinese worldwide as the Lunar New Year (1st day of the Chinese calendar) or Spring Festival. This lunar New Year in 2012 is the start of the period of the celestial WATER Dragon.
     The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend and to the Chinese a symbol of good fortune and power. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.
plots.

HAPPY 2012

From 2011 to a Happy 2012
A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia and Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) (according to Muslim calendar)    This is the first day of the month following Ramadan, a month of fasting and abstinence for Muslims.

Many will go shopping for food and clothes in preparation for the celebration.
The 'Raya' celebration begins after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan when Muslims break their daily fast. If the crescent appears, the next day is declared Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In Singapore the date is fixed according to calculations of the calender.  The day begins with Muslims praying in mosques early in the morning followed by visits to the graveyards of loved ones.

In Malaysia and Singapore, many Muslims hold ‘open houses’ for relatives and friends of all races. Muslim homes are often brightly lit with lamps and lights during this celebration. Muslims prepare a variety of cakes and food such as ketupat (rice cakes) and rendang (a dry curry) during this festival.

more on celebrations in Malaysia and Singapore at myMalaysiabooks
 

Wesak Day



Siamese Buddhist Temple



Wesak day [or Vesak Day ] - Wesak 2011 fall on May 16.  Buddhists pay homage to Buddha by commemorating his birth, death and enlightenment on this day. This special day bring Buddhist throughout the country together. Prayers are held at Buddhist and Chinese temples throughout Malaysia and Singapore.

     Many temples serve free food (especially to the less fortunate) or sell vegetarian food on this day.

....read more here

Links to Buddhism and other religious info:

• Religious Celebrations Malaysia and Singapore
• Buddanet
• Buddhist eLibrary Project
• Buddhist Audio and Video
• Calendar of holidays Malaysia and Singapore

Thaipusam in Malaysia

Thaipusam, Hindu Celebration as celebrated in Malaysia

Holidays and Celebrations in Malaysia and Singapore

Religious and cultural festivals are a way of life in Malaysia and Singapore. With multi racial population in both countries, you will find at least one festival or celebration in any month. You will be able to see Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Burmese and many other cultural and religious festivals in Malaysia and Singapore.
Read more about these celebrations at:
HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE