Malaysia is unique because of its diversity of races, religions and cultures.

The three main races

in Malaysia is Malay, Chinese and Indian. Being a multi-cultural society, Malaysia is a land of many
colourful festivals and celebrations. Malaysian festivals uses the 'Open House' concept where during the
various cultural and religious festival like Hari Raya Puasa , Chinese New Year, Deepavali and others,
friends and families of different races would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to
wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by the hosts.
Hari Raya Puasa is the most important festival of the Malay community. It falls on the
first day of the Muslim month of Syawal and is a joyful occasions for all Muslims. It marks the
successful observance of fasting throughout the month of Ramadhan - the tenth month of the
Muslim calendar. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. After morning
prayers at the mosque followed by visits to the graves of family members to pay respects The
celebrations last a month and although the first three days are celebrated on a grander scale,
many Muslims have 'open houses' throughout the month to accommodate friends.
Besides that, Chinese new Year is the most important festival of the Chinese community. It lasts
for a full two weeks, beginning from the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It begins with a reunion
dinner which is traditional for every member of the family to attend. Chinese New Year is the time when
spirits are appeared and offerings are made to Gods. It is a cheerful festival with the clang of cymbals
accompanying lion dances and the thunder of fire crackles filling the air. Guests are entertained to a
variety of sumptuous food and drinks and the unmarried youngsters are given Ang Pows which are gifts
of money enclosed in little red packets and the symbol of prosperity, the mandarin orange, is consumed.
The colour red is vividly displayed in many homes for 'prosperity' and 'luck'
In addition, Deepaval, commonly known to Hindus as the Festival of Lights is celebrated during
the 7
th
month of the Hindu calendar. Homes of Hindus are lit with little lights to signify the victory over
darkness for the Hindus believe that this is the day when the forces of good overcame the forces of evil.
Deepavali is a major festival of the Hindus and on the eve prayers are held both at home and in the
temples. Hindus take a traditional oil bath in the early hours of the morning on Deepavali day and after
prayers entertain their friends and guests to open house.
Furthermore, Christmas is a very important celebration for Christians in Malaysia which
celebrates the birth of Christ. This celebration is celebrated with beautiful decorated Christmas Trees in
every house and the sweet sounds of carolling in the air. Midnight services are held in churches, to
celebrate to birth of Christ. Christians in Malaysia celebrates by decorating Christmas trees, attending
church services and carolling. 'Open Houses' are also held on Christmas Day, where guests are treated to
food and drinks and exchange gifts with each other.