This practice coupled with the giving away of mandarin oranges is intended as a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the recipients. Another features is the traditional lion dance.
Deepavali
For the hindus, deepavali or the festival of lights signifies the triump of good over evil. Celebrated during the seventh month of the hindu calendar, a traditional oil bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. Hindu homes are adorned with lights or oil lamps to signify the victory of lord krishna over the demon, ravana.
Thaipusam
This spectacular festival falls in late january or early february. Thaipusam is a celebration of the birthday of lord subramaniam. On the eve of thaipusam, a statue of lord subramaniam is taken in procession on a chariot drawn by bullocks. The next day, devotees carrying kavadis through hindu temples amidst chanting and drumming. A kavadi is a metal or wooden arch with elaborate decorations, which is placed on the devotee's shoulders. Hooks or spikes extend from the kavadi to various parts of the devotee's body. Thaipusam is celebrated on a big scale in selangor, penang, negeri sembilan, johor, perak.
