Guide to Malaysian Festivals and Public Holidays International Students Should Know

1st November 2025

Malaysia truly is one of the most colorful and culturally rich countries in Asia. Each celebration brings stories of harmony and collective identity with it. For international students in Malaysia, learning about the country’s rich festivals and public holidays is much more than a break from study – it is a chance for students to enjoy and learn about the pulse of Malaysian culture. From parades across cities, to open house celebrations, festivals unite the community regardless of background or beliefs.

The multicultural nature of Malaysia is attractive to students from all over the world to experience, and studying in the country allows international students to take part in and be immersed in each festival and celebration influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous. Festivals and celebrations represent a year-long cultural practice of enjoyment, food, music, and togetherness. Students studying in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor Bahru, will certainly have an enhanced experience to understand and engage with the occasion and culture that arise. 

The spirit of inclusiveness is part of the essence of Malaysia: a distinct character that each culture shares to openly enjoy its festival or celebration. For international students, it would be one of their most memorable experiences of studying abroad.

The first widely recognized celebration is Hari Raya Aidilfitri as it celebrates the end of Ramadan. It is the occasion when Muslim families come together and exchange greetings and food, typically homemade traditional food such as ketupat and rendang, and open their homes to guests. During this festive event, the hospitality and celebratory spirit spring from the basic Islam peacefulness yet fabulously portray the essence of Malaysian culture of kindness and generosity.

Followed next is the Chinese New Year with its fabulous display of red decorations, firecrackers, and the tireless “lion dance.” It is about family reunion, joy, and even renewal for Chinese families. The streets are decorated with lanterns, while all the local festivals are filled with loud music and laughter. The students boast that it is a good time to learn about local tradition and taste specific foods for prosperity and harmony, such as “yee sang”.

Deepavali or Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Indian community. For this event homes and temples are beautifully and brightly decorated with oil lamps on their sills. The oil lamps symbolize the triumph of light or good over darkness or evil. Students look forward to sharing sweets like, “laddu” and “murukku” together with family and friends. It’s a day to remind all to celebrate a spirit of hope, good, and community.

Malaysia also celebrates Thaipusam, one of the most spiritual Hindu festivals, with internationally recognized celebrations at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, where thousands of devotees gather in devotion. For international students, it is an experience to see this faith, culture, and endurance visually.

Despite being predominantly a Muslim country, Christmas is celebrated by many throughout Malaysia. Shopping malls, hotels, and streets are decorated with lights, and Christmas trees fill the atmosphere with brightness and cheer. It is a celebration of love and togetherness, where individuals from all communities join in the festivities.

Hari Merdeka, or in English, Malaysia’s Independence Day, is an important national holiday celebrated on August 31. This also includes parades, cultural performances, and fireworks. This day pretty much represents Malaysia in unity and progress for the students to understand with appreciation in history and identity.

A significant holiday in Malaysia is Wesak Day, a time for Buddhists to honor the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Temples are adorned with lanterns, and the faithful donate food and gifts to the needy. Such an example exhibits the value of compassion and peace that is part of the Malaysian identity.  

These holidays are more than public holidays or occasions for a break or vacation. They are cultural learning opportunities. By participating and experiencing these holidays, students from the international community can gain insight into the Malaysian way of life, a respect for the faith and opportunity to enjoy life in a multi-ethnic society. You can become a part of the community celebration or holiday through friends, relatives or respectful visits to the temples or mosques, or even just watch and observe the traditions happening around you. Engaging with the real world around you will bring a real depth and breadth to your study abroad experience. 

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we constitute an opinion that studying in Malaysia is not an education, but rather new, alongside immersing yourself in a country that celebrates diversity every day and every tradition, with its welcoming people, and all of this offers a learning experience that is still global!