What is Hari Hol Pahang in Malaysia All About?
In eastern Malaysia, Pahang is considered the biggest state in terms of geography and is one of several states that retain their own sultan.
Hari Hol Pahang is declared a public holiday to commemorate the death anniversary of one of the state’s former sultans. It is a day of grieving and honouring the previous leaders who dedicated their lives to the state.
The word “hol” means an annual banquet. Hari Hol in Panang commemorates its fourth reigning sultan name Abu Bakar. He was the father of Ahmad Shah, another sultan, who has also died. The commemoration of the deaths of the sultans has been a public holiday since 1974.
In 2017, it was celebrated on May 7. Hari Hol Pahang was celebrated on the same day in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, the holiday fell on May 22. In 2021, it is set to be celebrated on May 22 as well. The same dates are expected until 2024.
Things to Do During Hari Hol Pahang in Malaysia
Hari Hol Pahang allows the people of the state to just rest. Work and school are cancelled during the day. You can do the following as well:
- Look into making traditional art of batik painting.
- Visit the Pahang State Mosque.
- Eat delicious seafood at Beserah Fishing Village.
- Know more about Pahang’s history by exploring the underground tin mines.
- Trekking in Lentang Recreational Forest Park.
- Indeed, there are many things you can do to spend the holiday.
How Hari Hol Pahang in Malaysia is Celebrated
This holiday commemorates the previous leader, Sultan Abu Bakar. Because of this, it is important to get to know the once leader who reigned Pahang. You can take this day, Hari Hol Pahang, to research his life.
Born in May 1904, Abu Bakar became the fourth modern sultan of the state in 1932 after succeeding his father. Abu Bakar is known as the first son of a King to be given the title of His Highness the Crown Prince of Pahang in history.
After ascending to the throne, Abu Bakar was crowned as Sultan Abu Bakr Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah in 1933 at the Palace of the Beach in Pekan. He was only 28 years old at the time, making him the youngest ruler in Malay leaders’ history.
Abu Bakar is perceived as the father of the Pahang state in the modern era. He was notable for his political, social, and economic initiatives that brought Pahang to the modern-day.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating Hari Hol Pahang in Malaysia
Hari Hol Pahang, as mentioned, is a public holiday. What does this mean? You are free to do anything you want that day. You can take a vacation and just forget your worries even for just one day. You can do so by visiting the following places:
Genting Highlands
This breath-taking hill station in Pahang, Malaysia is just an hour away from the busy city of Kuala Lumpur. It is called the “City of Entertainment,” and rightfully so. It is home to exciting nightlife, luxury hotels and accommodation, sprawling shopping areas, and even some of the world’s most notable casinos.
Kauntan
It is the capital of Pahang, making it a place to visit in Malaysia. The small but vivacious town is proud of its beaches, calm atmosphere, sunny weather, and even beautiful sunsets to conclude your day. Of course, it is very rich in Malay culture. You will definitely learn something here.
Tioman Island
This is also the place for people who love laying on a beach with a picturesque view. This island, which is 20-kilometre long and 11-kilometre wide, is situated in the Rompin District of Pahang. It is beauty to marvel at with pristine waterfalls, jungles for adventurous trails, fishing villages, and of course, serene beaches. A big part of the island is covered with forest, serving as a habitat for various plants and animals.
Pekan
It is known as the “Royal Town of Malaysia” because this is where the Pahang Sultanate stays. There are numerous grand buildings in this part of town. It is also known for having wide and clean streets, spacious fields, and even royal palaces.
