Malaysia certainly has many colors which make it appear lively and vibrant, each time you take a

look. Perhaps it is the only place in the world with numerous religious holidays on its calendar. For the
maximum religious festivals, it observes an open-door policy in which people invite friends and relatives
regardless of their faith. The multi-ethnic and multi-religious facets of the country are best seen in the
celebration of various festivals that are observed with whole-hearted festivities. For example, Hari Raya
Puasa or also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous and important Muslim holiday that is celebrated
throughout the Muslim world. It is the end of a month of fasting and each day is started with children
asking their parents forgiveness for anything they have done wrong, before they go to prayers. Next,
Chinese New Year which is a very festive time for Malaysian Chinese and is observed on the first day of
the first moon on the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated with a traditional dinner on New Year's Eve and
subsequently continues with visits to family, friends and the honoring of the elderly. Besides, there is also
a festival known as Deepavali which is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good
over evil, particularly that of Lord Krishna over a demon king (mythological). It is observed with prayers
in the morning, followed with visits to friends and relatives with delicacies served. Wesak Day, which is
in May, is Buddha's Birthday and is considered to be the most important day of the year for Buddhists.
This day is celebrated with prayers and incense at the temples with the main celebration being a lantern
procession at night. Lastly, Christmas celebrated by the Christians in Malaysia usually with the
attendance of a church service on Christmas Eve. There are also carolers who sing at various places such
children's homes, retirement homes and hotels to bring the Christmas joy. The exchange of gifts is
practiced as well in celebration of Christ's birth.
Malaysia is also well-known as being the food paradise in this part of world,due to its varied and
tasty cuisine.In fact,there is a standing joke that,the British conquered half the world in search of a good
meal and they found it in this land.The liberal use of curries in some Malay dishes is testimony of the
influence that the Indians had on the culture of the Malays.In addition,Indians bread like Roti Canai is
now a common breakfast dish for most Malaysians regardless of race and creed.It doesnt take and
adventurous travelor or food enthuasiat to appreciate Malaysin food.There are just so much to choose
whether traditional or modern cuisines ,seem to satisfy the choosiest tastes buds.The stapl food in
Malaysia is rice,just like the other Asean countries.Chinese food and Indian food has been assimilated
with local cuisines.In Malaysia,Cantanese food makes the most presence with its stir fry and steaming
method.Chinese dishes such as dim sum,sweet and sour,sweet barbecued pork,bak kut teh(herbal soup)
are a few popular dishes.Steamboat is also widely available and can be a great experience.Thus,there is a
no denial,Malaysia is a food heaven.
MUSIC IS ART, ART IS LIFE,LIFE IS DANCE AND WE ARE WHO WE ARE, AND ALL OF THESE
AFOREMENTIONED WOMEN, UNLESS THEY SHOULD CHOOSE NOT TO, WILL BE
PERFORMING WELL INTO THE NEXT MANY DECADES BECAUSE THEY ARE GREAT
ARTISTS. Music and dance are almost inseparable in the Malaysian culture. Where there is one, the
other is not far behind. True to Malaysia's heritage, dances vary widely and are, if not imports direct from
the source nation, heavily influenced by one or more of Malaysia's cultural components. Much of
Malaysian music and dance has evolved from more basic needs into the mesmerizing, complex art forms
they are today. Traditional music is centered around the gamelan, a stringed instrument from Indonesia
with an otherworldly, muffled sound. The lilting, hypnotic beats of Malaysian drums accompany the song
of the gamelan; these are often the background for court dances. The rebana ubi are now used primarily as
ceremonial instruments. The Giant Drum Festival is held in Kelantan either in May or June.Similarly,
silat, an elegant Malaysian dance form, originated as a deadly martial art. The weaponless form of selfdefense stripped fighting to a bare minimum.The candle dance is one of Malaysia's most breathtakingly
beautiful performance arts.Candles on small plates are held in each hand as the dancer performs. As the
performer's body describes graceful curves and arcs, the delicate candle flames become hypnotic

traces.The Joget, Malaysia's most popular traditional dance, is a lively dance with an upbeat tempo.
Performed by couples who combine fast, graceful movements with rollicking good humor, the Joget has
its origins in the Portuguese folk dance, which was introduced to Malacca during the era of the spice
trade.Among the many different traditional theatres of the Malays, which combine dance, drama, and
music, no other dance drama has a more captivating appeal than Mak Yong. This ancient classic court
entertainment combines romantic stories, operatic singing and humor.The Datun Julud is a popular dance
of Sarawak, and illustrates the age-old tradition of storytelling in dance. The Datun Jalud tells of the
happiness of a prince when blessed with a grandson. The Sape, a musical instrument, renders the dance
beats, which are often helped along by singing and clapping of hands.Although Malaysia's cultural
heritage is rich and varied almost beyond belief, it would be a mistake to assume that heritage to be
wholly traditional. Malaysia has joined the recent world music trend by updating many of its beautiful
traditional sounds. Modern synthesizers accompany the gamelan and the drums for a danceable, hypnotic
sound you won't soon forget.
The richness and diversity of Malaysian traditional costume can be seen throughout the length and
breadth of Malaysia.There is a great variety of beautiful costumes which differ in style and design and
from state to state.The birth of modern Malaysia in 1963 continues to add more of the amazing collection
of traditional costumes.Malaysian costumes include Sabah nad Sarawak which are also rich in tradition
and culture from its many ethnic and indigenous people further contributed to the fashion heritage of
Malaysia.Today we are most fortunate to witness the rich legacy of traditional costumes of various ethnic
group and communitiesin Malaysia as our very own cultural identity that we can proud of.The beauty of
the costume are so unique for instance baju melayu is the malay traditional mans attire whereas baju
kurung is worn by the woman.Baju melayu is a loose tunic which worn over trousers and usually
accompanied with a sampin,which is wrapped around mans hip and a songkok on their head.
Normally,it is worn on the occasions of such as wedding,festivals and even to the office.It is not only
worn by the malays but all the races in Malaysia.The Malaysian traditional costumes became a
kaleidoscope of colours.It is a visual delight to one and all.