Description
This day has significance for two of Malaysia's major religious groups--the Hindus and the Sikhs. For Hindus, it is the start of the new year whilst for the Sikhs, this was day when the Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa order, formalising their beliefs. Hindu devotees visit temples, where prayers and special ceremonies are conducted. Other common rituals include giving offerings of fruit and flowers, splitting coconuts and taking oil baths. For Sikhs, the festival centres on reading the entire Guru Granth Sahib (their holy book) over about two days.