Events

Kedah has a selection of exclusive events, with the vast majority of festivities taking place on Langkawi. The state also enjoys all of the country’s major festivals, which include those of Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist origin. The highlight of the non-religious events is perhaps the Langkawi Water Festival held in April. The weather at this time of the year is hot, making it the ideal time to enjoy water-based fun.

January

Thaipusam: is a Hindu festival which is celebrated mainly by the Tamil community. The festival celebrates both the birthday of Lord Murugan and his success in defeating the demon Soorapadman.

February

Chinese New Year: lively celebrations take place in Kedah among the Chinese community over Chinese New Year. This is also often a time for residents to return to their family homes in other parts of the country therefore some destinations are quiet during the New Year period. Locals like to buy new clothes and enjoy festive meals with family as well as make peace with any friends or relatives with who they have had grievances. Traditional lion and dragon dances take place in Langkawi and Alor Star.

Sauk Sotong: also known as the ‘Squid Scooping Challenge’, this popular event is held at Kuala Chenang Jetty and sees flocks of fishermen battle it out to see who can manage the greatest haul of squids and take the winning title.

Royal Langkawi International Regatta: now known across Southeast Asia, this popular event sees boat races involving over 50 yachts manned by expert sailors from across the globe.

Tour de Langkawi: Southeast Asia’s answer to the Tour de France, this popular event has been running for over a decade and sees riders from across the globe compete in a gruelling race from Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

March

Chap Goh Meh: 15 days after the beginning of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese community celebrates Chap Goh Meh, also known as the Lantern Festival. It’s traditional on this day to make and consume dumplings known as tangyuan, made from glutinous rice flour.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: the large Muslim community of Kedah celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday by visiting mosques for prayer and contemplation.

April

Easter: Kedah’s Christian community is not especially large, but Easter celebrations are enjoyed all the same with traditional religious ceremonies during Holy Week and family get-togethers on Easter Sunday.

Wilderness Langkawi Challenge: this annual sporting event is akin to a triathlon in terms of challenge and format and sees participants engage in a combination of cycling, kayaking and running in a bid to secure the prestigious winner’s title.

Langkawi International Water Festival: Telaga Harbour Park on Langkawi hosts this fun-filled annual event which sees a variety of light-hearted games and activities.

Langkawi Koh Adang International Fishing Challenge: professional anglers and enthusiasts of the sport gather at Langkawi for three days of competitive fishing.

May

Wesak Day: this important Buddhist festival is celebrated across the country and sees the faithful commemorating the three most important events in the life of the Buddha; his birth, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana.

June

Langkawi Fire-fighting Competition: the Langkawi Fire and Rescue Department presents this unusual event in conjunction with the Langkawi Tourism Association. During the competition, local fire-fighters get to show off their skills in an effort to promote fire safety habits.

July

Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta: all of Malaysia celebrates food during the month of July, with the events and activities at Langkawi being especially lively. Visitors can expect restaurants across the state to hold special gourmet food tastings and present a wider variety of dishes than would ordinarily be available on menus.

Rambutan Trail: the unusual looking seasonal fruit known as the rambutan is the focus of this fun event which sees tastings, fruit carving demonstrations and other odd but entertaining activities.

August

Merdeka Day: Kedah along with the rest of the country celebrates Merkeda Day, a national holiday held in commemoration of Malaysia’s declaration of independence. Typically, large towns and cities enjoy street parties and firework displays.

September

Mid-Autumn Festival: often referred to as the Moon Cake Festival, this annual affair sees the Chinese community remember the success enjoyed by their ancestors against Mongol oppressors during the 14th century. Locals make and eat tasty moon cakes, since legend holds that their ancestors distributed details of their rebellion inside these cakes. Lanterns are also hung outside houses in memory of those used to give signals between Chinese camps.

October

Hungry Ghosts Festival: is observed by both Buddhist and Taoist members of the Kedah population. The festival is intended to appease troubled and restless souls that roam the earth in search of retribution against persons responsible for wrong doings against them during their lives. Joss sticks are lit and offerings of food are left on street corners in order to discourage the ghosts from entering abodes.

Hari Raya Haji: also referred to as Eid al-Adha, this Muslim festival is one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar. The theme revolves around sacrifice as Muslims remember the time when Ibrahim was asked by Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Mosques are filled with worshippers offering thanksgiving prayers and animals are sacrificed as part of the festival rites.

November

Deepvali: also referred to as the Festival of Lights, Deepvali is a Hindu celebration in commemoration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon King Narakasura. The devoted take herbal baths at dawn then put on new clothes and offer prayer to Krishna. Oil lamps are hung outside houses to attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

December

Christmas: celebrations are similar to those enjoyed by Christians across the world with a mix of festive activity and religious service.