Malaysia is a veritable land of festivals and celebration of its multi-racial communities are celebrated to mark important events or days in their religious calendars. Most of them are colourful occasions when centuries-old customs and traditions are still observed.
Prior to major festivals, there is usually a feverish burst of activity as people from the urban centres make the annual exodus to their hometowns while in individual homes earnest preparations are made in anticipation of the auspicious day. Getting the house in order with extensive spring cleaning and decorations, shopping for new clothes, festival delicacies and stocking ample food is the norm.
The hoding of open house by the different communities during the hari raya aidil fitri, chinese new year, deepavali, christmas, gawai and ka'amatan festivals is a heart-warning feature unique to malaysian society. Such gatherings foster goodwill and provide the opportunity to renew social ties in a convivial atmosphere with the hosts usually feting their guests to a generous spread of food and drinks.
