With the arrival of gold and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. A thousand years later, Arab traders arrived in Malacca and brought with them the principles and practices of Islam. By the time the Portuguese arrived in Malaysia, the empire that they encountered was more cosmopolitan than their own.

Today's population of approximately 22 million people has a cultural mosaic marked by many different traditions, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history - the Chinese, and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a variety of indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. The Malays and indigenous ethnic groups form 58% of the population whilst the Chinese and Indian groups form 27% and 8% respectively. Various other ethnic groups account for the final 7% of the population. Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage. Perhaps the easiest way to begin to understand the highly complex cultural interaction which is Malaysia is to look at the open door policy maintained during religious festivals. Although Malaysia's different cultural traditions are frequently maintained by seemingly self-contained ethnic communities, all of Malaysia's communities open their doors to members of other cultures during a religious festival - to tourists as well as neighbours. Such inclusiveness is more than just a way to break down cultural barriers and foster understanding; it is a positive celebration of a tradition of tolerance that has for millennia formed the basis of Malaysia's progress.

Throughout November and December there are a number of significant events held in Malaysia. Some of these events are national whilst others are centred on various regional locations. This review will consider four celebrations, details of which are given in the table below.

Deepavali

Deepavali is the "Festival Of Lights". It is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The Festival signifies the triumph of brightness over darkness, good over evil. Deepavali means "a row of lights". It brings along with it glowing happiness and the touch of sparklers all around. Deepavali is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar, which falls between the month of October and November every year. Hindus celebrate it by decorating their homes with dozens of lights or oil lamps, called vikku, to signify the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
In Malaysia, Malaysians visit their friends of Hindu faith to extend good wishes and to take part in the feasting and merrymaking. The Hindus prepare numerous traditional cakes and sweets for the day, among them are "murukku", "omopadi", "athirrsam", "achi murukku", "laddu" and "mysore pahu". These are made a few days before Deepavali. The traditional Hindus start the day by having an oil bath before sunrise and saying prayers. They will wear new clothes and either go to the temple or pray at home. This is followed by a show of respect to the elders. They also distribute cakes and sweets to their neighbours and friends and many have "open house" for their non-Hindu friends.

National Ramadan Bazaar

The holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset is also practiced by the followers of the faith in Malaysia. Islam, which means peace, teaches the faithful to love and respect and be tolerant to one another. A special bazaar is held to share the spirit of the brotherhood of man which is part of the Islamic faith, the official religion in Malaysia.
The Ramadan Bazaars offer buffets of local delicacies, only available during Ramadan for "breaking fast'. The Bazaars are not only patronised by the Muslims but other ethnic Malaysians and tourists gather round the stalls from as early as 3pm. Tourists are well advised to visit the Bazaars during this time so as to sample the wide variety of special Malaysian food available during Ramadan, all at market-stall prices.

In Kuala Lumpur, some of the more popular Ramadan Bazaars are located in Jalan Masjid India, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Abdullah and Jalan Raja Alang. The Jamek Mosque in Kampung Baru, located in the heart of the city, is well known for its free distribution throughout Ramadan, of Bubur Lambok (rice porridge with meat cooked in coconut milk). As early as 3.45pm, a long queue can be seen outside the mosque, waiting for the porridge distribution. The Ramadan Bazaar has for decades become a platform for strengthening social ties not only among the Muslims but also among Malaysians as a whole. An elderly Muslim gave a further view of the Ramadan Bazaar; "it offers a time to reflect - the food on the dining table or the clothes that we buy for celebrating Syawal are simple pleasures and provisions, that some others may not be able to enjoy. Let us all count our blessings."

Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival

This is a month-long shopping carnival in urban centres throughout Malaysia. Discount bargains are on offer at shopping centres, emporiums, retail outlets and also exclusive boutiques. Hotels and restaurants offer customers attractive rates and prices. There are many activities at the bazaars, also fairs and exhibitions will usually be held in most towns. This is the opportunity for when the various Malaysian provinces showcase their traditional arts and culture.

Kuala Lumpur presents a wide range of shopping establishments catering to every taste and budget, these include modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets. The night markets or'pasar malam' begin their trading activities in the late afternoon. These open-air markets feature stalls that sell a variety of local produce, foodstuffs and clothing. Haggling is common practice.
The Malaysian Tourist Authorities have a rather upbeat message for the intending tourist at this time of year. "The whole of Malaysia is on sale again!"

Hari Raya Open House

Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration marking the end of the Muslim month of fasting and abstinence, Ramadan. It is a special occasion for Muslims. Hari Raya Puasa officially begins at the sighting of the moon on the day before the next month on the Muslim calendar, Syawal. The first moon of the month of Syawal is sighted by religious elders in the late evening from several vantage points in Malaysia. The festival begins the following day, ushered in by prayers at the mosque early in the morning and by a visit to the cemetery to pray for the departed souls of loved ones. Then, of course - the feast.

The "Rumah Terbuka" or open house concept is prevalent in the Malaysian culture especially during major festivals and celebrations like the Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid Festival) and Christmas. It brings people together regardless of their religion, position or background. This is the time when family, friends and neighbours visit each other and take the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for past hurts and grievances. His Majesty, the King of Malaysia and Muslim government leaders also hold "open houses' for the public at their official residences. This year the Malaysia Open House will be held on 16 December in Langkawi, Kedah.