malaysian culture

Festivals of the indigenous people from sabah/sarawak : 

Festivals of the indigenous people from sabah / sarawak By: Sahar Sarafi Javad Abbaszadeh Mahdi Torabi Pezhman

Sabah Festivals: 

Sabah Festivals

Kaamatan Festival(Harvest Festival) : 

Kaamatan Festival( H arvest F estival) A n annual event in the cultural life of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah May 30th and 31th are the days for Kaamatan Festival every year different indigenous people come from north south east west, to dress in their beautiful traditional costumes and perform various cultural activities The word Kaamatan is derived from the root word tomot , a Kadazandusun term for harvest The festival is observed in 6 rituals stages : The Kumogos Ceremony The Kumotob Ceremony The Posisip Ceremony The Poihib Ceremony The Magavau Ceremony The Humabot Ceremony

Kaamatan Festival: 

Kaamatan Festival

Sabah Festival : 

Sabah Festival Over 30 colorful ethnic communities will gather in Kota Kinabalu to showcase Sabah's rich cultural heritage. Exotic village handicrafts made with fine handiwork will be available for sale during this occasion. Various cultural programs are held with each community depicting the highlights of their own traditions. A rich variety in the cultural heritage of Sabah can be seen at this festival.

Pesta Kelapa : 

Pesta Kelapa Pesta Kelapa (Coconut Festival) is a popular annual event in Kudat with lots of fun games and contests. The festival highlights the coconut industry and recognition of its significant contribution to the social and economic welfare of the rural folks in Kudat . including the highly entertaining coconut shoe race, squeezing coconut milk competition, food and drink exhibition, handicraft displays and coconut fashion show.

Tamu Besar Kota Belud : 

Tamu Besar Kota Belud This festival is held in Kota Belud area every year All the farmers, fishermen and traders get together to form an open air market to sell their products to the visitors. All the communities will dress up in the traditional costumes and display their distinctive traditions. Dance, music, ceremonies, fun and fare are all in plenty and it is one of the major attractions in Sabah.

Regatta Lepa Semporna : 

Regatta Lepa Semporna This festival is celebrated by the Bajau community of Sabah’s east coast region of Semporna . The people of this fishing community have been celebrating this event in honour of their tradition of building these beautiful boats’s called “ lepa The festival which started in 1994 has been celebrated with much pomp in Semporna , with decorated boats, being sailed to the sea for the contest of the most beautiful “ lepa ”.

Pesta Jagung : 

Pesta Jagung A maize festival is held in the region of Kota Marudu Maize or jagung is an important crop for the economic survival of the Kadazandusun community in Kota Marudu . The people celebrate this festival to highlight its importance in their lives by arranging various competitions such as jagung cooking and planting competitions, cultural shows and the Jagung Fashion Queen.

Pesta Rumbia : 

Pesta Rumbia This event is celebrated in the town of Kuala Penyu , where the major crop of sago is grown. Rumbia or sago forms a indispensable part of the daily diet of the Bisayas and Kadazan community in this region. Eevery part of the sago plant is used and nothing is disposed off. For example,the leaves are used to make roofs, mats, baskets, etc.

Patterns and Colors Festival: 

Patterns and Colors Festival This is an annual exhibition featuring paintings and handicrafts of Sabah. This unique exhibition aims to increase awareness and public understanding of the progressive development of local visual works. Contemporary artworks and traditional handicrafts such as woven mats, baskets, fabrics and beadworks will be displayed side by side.

The Sabah Dragon Boat Race : 

The Sabah Dragon Boat Race A traditional Chinese event evolved from myths and legends. This exciting race has attracted many teams from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Singapore and Brunei. Local and international teams pit their skills and energy against one another for top honors. Longboats decorated with dragon heads and other streamers sail through the Bay, and the paddlers are rooted by thumping of drums and cheering from the crowd .

Kiulu 4M Challenge : 

Kiulu 4M Challenge The 4M Challenge takes places in the town of Kiulu The Challenges consists of 4 traditional Kadazandusun sports that are managkus (running), mamangkar (bamboo rafting), manampatau (swimming with bamboo) and mamarampanau (walking with bamboo stilts). The K4MC is also thoughtful about preservation and protection of nature, especially Kiulu River. The main purpose of this challenge is to promote eco-tourism, traditional sports and environmental consciousness among people.

Merdeka Regatta : 

Merdeka Regatta Merdeka Regatta held over a period of one week with more than 12 races to determine the champion/s in different classes of boats. The race is to commemorate Malaysia's Independence Day. Sailors from all over the world are invited to take part in the weeklong competition.

KYC Match Racing Regatta : 

KYC Match Racing Regatta This international event features a round-robin tournament of one-on-one matches. Teams from all over the world are invited to match their skills against one another in a knock out, one against one duel. The winner is the one who successfully knocks out the most opponents.

Slide 16: 

Festivals of Sarawak

GAWAI DAYAK FESTIVAL : 

GAWAI DAYAK FESTIVAL Gawai means ritual or festival and Dayak is a collective name for the tribes of Iban , Bidayuh , Kayan , Kenyah , Kelabit , Murut and more. In the end of harvest season 1 -2 June religious and social festival : they thank god for successful harvest and wish for better harvest. This festival is especially enchanting as traditional ceremonies and dances are held in the various 'long houses' or communal homes around the State Preparation cleaning house Dayak homes are opened to visitors Food preparation: rice wine, cakes( from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk), chicken cooked in bamboo decoration

Rainforest World Music Festival : 

Rainforest World Music Festival The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. The festival is an annual 3-day music festival held on the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village. north of Kuching with daytime music workshops, jam sessions, lectures, cultural displays, craft displays, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts. Synthetic and traditional music blend with the sounds of the forest in this magical outdoor festival.

Sarawak Regatta : 

Sarawak Regatta The Sarawak Regatta is held annually in August displaying the sportsmanship and culture of the people in Sarawak. Over 20 teams compete against each other to win the title in longboats stretching across the Sarawak River. This event is an offshoot of the Baram Regatta. T he Baram Regatta as it was first called was a competition between two tribes to settle out a score canoeing upriver instead of resorting to war between themselves. Winners of the race signify those who are stronger in handling situations and confrontations.

Chinese New Year : 

Chinese New Year Throughout Malaysia Chinese New Year marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15-day period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks are used as decorations in Chinese homes and shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck. Animated lion and dragon dance performances accompanied by energetic drums, gongs and cymbals add to the festive air. On Chinese New Year's eve, family members hold reunion dinners followed by 'open houses' for relatives and friends.

Federal Territory Day : 

Federal Territory Day Federal Territory Day or Hari Wilayah Persekutuan is a state holiday for federal teritory in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya celebrate Federal Territory Day on First of February. The date marks the anniversary of formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in 1974, ceded by the state of selangor to the federal government of Malaysia. with exciting parades, fireworks display, exhibitions and cultural shows. Most events are open to the public and do not charge any entrance fees .

Thaipusam: 

Thaipusam Celebrated by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam , also known as Lord Muruga , the youngest son of Lord Shiva Thaipusam is celebrated on a big scale in Kuala Lumpur ( Batu Caves), Selangor, Penang, Malacca, Johor and Perak. All those who wish to ask for a future favor , fulfill a vow in return for a granted favor , or to repent for past sins will participate in this festival.

The Birthday Of His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong: 

The Birthday Of His Majesty The Yang Di- Pertuan Agong The first Saturday of June yearly is mandated by the Malaysian Constitution as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's official birthday . This auspicious occasion is marked by the bestowal of state honours and awards to those who have rendered exceptional service to the country. Highlights include the “ Trooping of the Colours” by the armed forces and a host of cultural shows and exhibitions.

Merdeka Month Celebration : 

Merdeka Month Celebration Each year on August 31, Malaysia celebrates its Independence Day . This historic event is celebrated in joyous mood by Malaysians from all walks of life . Malaysians too, display their love for the country by proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang or the national flag. A host of activities is held in each state including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia's history and fireworks displays, culminating in a grand parade attended by their Majesties, the King and Queen, the Prime Minister, dignitaries and the public.

Bazaar Ramadan : 

Bazaar Ramadan The Bazaar Ramadan is an interesting scene in Malaysia coinciding with the Muslim fasting month During this season, numerous colorful and aromatic roadside stalls can be found in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere offering a delightful array of traditional Malay dishes and delicacies for the breaking of the daily fast. Non-Muslims also take the opportunity to sample the variety of food available.

Mid-Autumn Festival: 

Mid-Autumn Festival The Mid-Autumn Festival also known as the Moon Cake Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is a historical festival rather than a religious one. It marks the successul rebellion against the Mongol ruler dated back in 14th century China. Legend has indicated that the secret about a plot against the Mongolians was hidden inside the mooncake and the mooncake was distributed widely .

Deepavali: 

Deepavali Marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It literally translated means 'Row of Lights' It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness. During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Ganesha , the 'Remover of Obstacles' and the 'Lord of Beginnings'.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri : 

Hari Raya Aidilfitri The end of the fasting period or the holy month of Ramadhan culminates in Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is celebrated by Muslims around the world . Malaysian Muslims begin their day with visits to the graves of loved ones, followed by prayers and the seeking of forgiveness from their elders . Relatives and friends are invited to the many 'open houses', where they are served with a generous spread of food and traditional delicacies

Christmas : 

Christmas Malaysia tropical weather and the friendly nature of Malaysians guarantee that Christmas in multi-cultural Malaysia will always be a very warm affair. Like others around the world, Malaysian Christians attend church services, hold family dinners, sing carols and exchange gifts . Visitors will find the spirit of Christmas very much alive at the many Christian homes as well as the myriad shopping centres, hotels and restaurants catering for this joyous occasion.

Slide 30: 

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