Kelantan Events and Festivals

Chinese New Year: is widely celebrated in Kelantan and throughout Malaysia, thanks to a significant Chinese population. This is a joyous time when friends and relatives bestow gifts of cash in red envelopes (angpows) as tokens of prosperity. Lion dances, family reunions and feasts that usher in the lunar New Year are also common features of the celebration.

Maulidur Rasul: held at the end of March, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is celebrated in Kelantan as it is throughout the Muslim world. Religious discussions and prayer meetings are held to pay homage to the prophet and to strengthen faith among Muslims.

Games Festival: a two-day festival of games is held in Kota Bharu at the beginning of April. This is a chance for visitors to take part in centuries-old Kelantanese pastimes. Interesting games that are part of the festivities include ‘elephant slippers’. Participants form teams, with each team making its way to the finish line in a single giant slipper.

Kelantan Flora Festival: is a 10-day event held at the beginning of April, showing off the incredible variety of plant life native to Kelantan. A parade of elaborately-decorated floral floats is a highlight of the festival, as are performances of traditional music and dance and a variety of games.

Kite Festival: held in May, this event draws participants from countries around the world. Visitors delight in the colourful and exciting competition, entered by enthusiasts of all ages. You can test your skill in the competition or simply be a spectator.

Kelatan Marine Festival: each July, the annual Kelatan Marine festival is held, featuring boat races, marine sports competitions and a fishing festival. In addition, there’s a trade fair held in conjunction with the festival and ongoing demonstrations of Kelantan art and culture.

National Day: occurs on 31 August and is a time when the country celebrates its independence with festivities including parades, shows and fireworks. Communities throughout Malaysia decorate the streets with garlands and lights for this important occasion.

Bird Singing Competition: songbirds are very popular in Kelantan. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular songs of these colourful birds at Kelantan’s annual Bird Singing Competition. The event is held in Kota Bharu and attracts competitors and observers from all parts of the country.

Malaysia Fest: is a major promotion of everything Malaysian for two weeks every September. During this time, all major hotels, resorts and shopping venues join together to promote tourism, culture, foods and traditional handicrafts. In Kelantan, visitors can attend special events showcasing the best in local products and cuisine.

Hari Raya Puasa: celebrated for two days in mid-October, this holiday marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramadam. Also known as Aidilfitri, it is a joyous time for Muslims, signifying personal triumph and victory of self-restraint and abstinence - thought to lead to purification and renewal.

Deepavali: is commonly known as the Festival of Lights. This is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of good over the forces of evil. Hindus typically adorn their homes with lights during this period, to symbolise the triumph.

Hari Raya Haji: celebrated for two days in December, this holiday marks the end of the annual Haj, the pilgrimage to Islam’s holy city of Mecca. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered at all mosques and traditionally an animal is sacrificed, with meat distributed to the poor. This event is of great importance to all Muslims.