Among Malaysia’s many cultural and religious festivities, 31st August is marked as a day of grand national celebration as it marks Malaysia’s independence from colonial powers. “Hari Merdeka” or Independence Day is declared a public holiday and celebrated with a grand royal parade is usually held at Dataran Merdeka, or Merdeka Square, to commemorate the end of British rule.
The Federation of Malaya was formed on the 31st of August, 1957. It marked the end of the British rule and the start of a new independent and democratic country – Malaysia. The event was marked by hoisting the Malaysian flag at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur at midnight.
Thousands of native Malaysians gather at the Merdeka Stadium to witness this historical moment on 31st August. The moment is elevated by turning off the tights for ten minutes and turning them back on at midnight.
The Federation of Malaya was magnified into the Federation of Malaysia in the year 1963 when the British colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and the island of Singapore were relinquished and handed over to the Federation.
However, Singapore’s part in the Federation was short-lived as it broke out from it in 1965 due to political and economic disputes, and amidst rising racial tensions.
Though Singapore is now independent, the formation of Malaysia is still being celebrated as “Hari Malaysia” or Malaysia Day, on the 16th of September every year.
Hari Merdeka is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country. However, the main attraction is the Merdeka parade in Kuala Lumpur.
The Merkeda parade demonstrates the country’s military powers and the cultural diversity it houses. Every year the parade starts from various locations but culminates at the Merdeka Square, where thousands gather to watch the parade.
Another speciality of Hari Merdeka is the theme based celebrations. Every year the Independence Day is celebrated based on a theme that represents the country’s unity and diversity.
The theme for Malaysian Independence Day this August 2015 is “Sehati, Sejiwa”, which means “One Heart, One Spirit”.
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