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The colours of Langkawi can be attributed to the varied
ethnic make-up of the islanders. Although
the demography is predominantly Malay,
minority ethnic groups still enjoy the
privileges accorded to them under the
Malaysian Constitution. This can be observed
in the free-practice of various religious
festivals throughout the year.
The healthy racial mix provides pleasant
excuses to celebrate the wide range
of festivals all year round. With so many
festivals taking place, especially towards
the end of the year, there are also
joint celebrations where the colors and
gaiety of the seasons are more pronounced.
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Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
This is a
joyous Muslim festival marking the end
of a month long dawn to dusk fasting in
conjunction with the month of Ramadan.
The day starts with the morning prayers
at mosques all over the island. It is
time to ask for forgiveness and be
forgiven by family members and fellow
Muslims. Peculiar to the celebrative
style of Malaysians, Muslim houses are
open to all without the need to be
invited and thousands make their way
back to their respective villages in
Langkawi, where the population would
swell many folds for a few days. And of
course, food is the highlight of any
visit. Savor the wide-range of festive
foods including the all-time favorite,
ketupat daun palas and rendang (curried
beef or chicken). This is a national
holiday. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 2008
will be celebrated on 1st October. |
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Hari Raya Aidil
Adha
Also known as Hari Raya Haji, this
festival is celebrated by Muslims to
mark the 10th day of the month of
Dzulhijjah, which is the 12th month of
the Islamic calendar. This is the time
when pilgrims complete their pilgrimage
in Mecca. Prayers are held in the
mornings at mosques across the islands
while families hold open houses. For
those who can afford it, goats and cows
are sacrificed and the meat given away
to the poor. Unlike in the rest of the
country, except for the states of
Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis,
in Langkawi it is celebrated on a scale
as grand as Aidil Fitri. |
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