Welcome to March. What a wonderful month to be here in Kuala Lumpur. The Chinese New Year has extended beyond February, to be followed by Hari Raya Aidilfitri/ Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month.
Today marks Chap Goh Mei, the 15th and final day of the CNY. Overnight, red/ gold Chinese lanterns will be taken down and green/ gold Hari Raya decorations will be put up. Soon after Eid we will have Easter. A nation that encompasses and celebrates so many faiths and festivals needs its own website to keep up with its public holidays.
I have been very busy seeing extended family and looking after my mother, so I am posting fewer words today, compensating with photos taken whilst wandering around the city. This evening Mr Gochugaru and I attend the first of three Ramadan buffets, and I will write a post on them separately.
Starting the Year of the Fire Horse as we mean to go on – with zest, colour, vibrancy and liveliness
CNY decorations, soon to be taken down
Seasonal flowers in the foyer of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The start of the Hari Raya decorations/ Gamelan stand at the MO Hotel
The blending of one cultural festival into another is repeated in early 2027. Our extended family (around 30 cousins on my mother’s side) have been encouraged to meet up for CNY next year in KL. It is akin to a big family fling or maybe a big family bling depending on how colourful everyone wants to be. There are challenges when so much is going on, and based on my experience this year I am starting to put together notes for everyone coming in from overseas. The next Chinese New Year starts on 6 February 2027. Only 11 more months to go!