Independence Day Celebrations

The National Day in Malaysia is celebrated every year on the 31st of August in honor
of the birthday of the nation. On 31st August, 1957, Malaysia gained its
independence from British colonial rule and became an independent country.
The National Day in Malaysia is celebrated in a grand style at Kuala Lumpur. This
national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all over the country. The Jalur
Germilang (The Malaysian Flag) is hoisted throughout the country. On this day many
political leaders appear at the public events and talk about the nation's heritage,
laws, history, people, about recent events and future projects.
The National Day is considered as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of
outdoor events like parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. Parades
generally occur in the morning and the fireworks occur in the evening.
The people of Malaysia proudly fly their Flag, sing songs and enjoy the day with their
friends and families.

It was Merdeka Day, August 31st, a memorable day for Malaysians. It was to
commemorate our Independence Day. The whole city was lit up, with colored
lights illuminating the tall buildings. Even trees were sparkling in the darkness
of the night. Red, blue, orange and green lights had turned the city into a
fairyland.
We took a drive round the city of Kuala Lumpur and watched the numerous
lights on tall buildings. Flags and bunting added gaiety and colors to the
place. Crowds of Malaysians were thronging the streets, dressed gaily in their
best - colorful 'sarungs', 'bajus', 'sarees' and 'cheongsams', representing a
beautiful picture of Malaysia, the land of many races.
There were traffic jams all over the city and traffic police officers were kept
busy directing the traffic. People were swarming the Lake Gardens to watch
the fireworks display. Beautiful 'flowers' burst in the night sky, sending out
luminous red, pink, blue, orange, purple and yellow sprays of sparks. The
spectators were obviously enthralled, judging from their clapping and
cheering. It was a scene of gaiety and merriment.
On a stage in the open theatre, musicians, dancers, comedians and popular
local artistes entertained huge crowds with their songs, sketches and jokes. No
one minded a slight drizzle even. The celebration continued till well past midnight and finally, the people dispersed and went home tired but happy. Another
Merdeka Day had come and gone and the night was one for the national
album.

Short Essay on the Independence Day

Celebrations
On this auspicious day, national flags flutter everywhere. The day is observed as a public
holiday.
Government buildings present a neat and tidy appearance. They would start decorating
the buildings with the colours of the national flag in the weeks before
National Day. Decorations with themes of red, blue, yellow and white along
with the national and state flags would hang off almost every window and
building in the city.

On the eve of National Day, fireworks will light up the sky at the stroke of
midnight, usually set off in Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur.
The highlight of National Day is the National Day parade organized every
year. Every year, there will be an official theme and slogan for National Day
and this year will be no different.
When the Yang di Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen)
arrives at the venue, the Guards of Honor render the Royal Salute to His
Majesty and Her Majesty, and the national anthem, Negaraku is played by the
military band.
A 21-gun salute will also be performed by members of the Royal Artillery
Regiment after the flag has been raised to the national anthem.

The fun starts after the formal and solemn proceedings have ended. Patriotic songs
accompanied by members of the ethnic percussion group will be sung, and the stage will
be filled with young dancers dressed in the many colourful costumes that make up the
various races and ethnic groups of the country. Every year, there will be a new theme
song and this song will be sung as well.
For every patriotic Malaysian, no matter how they celebrate, each year brings a special
meaning to National Day. This year will surely be no different and perhaps even more
important and relevant to the people as the countrys national elections will be declared
this year as well.