Prayers, prosperity and piety

People breaking fast with friends and family at Dataran Shahbandar in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. — Bernama

February shimmered with devotion and joy, carrying Malaysians from the sacred rituals of Thaipusam to the bright cheer of Chinese New Year and the quiet reflection of Ramadan.

A Lord Murugan statue stands next to the 272 steps to Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple as devotees pilgrimage to the temple during the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which Hindus believe that through prayer they are cleansed of their sins and their misdeeds may be redeemed, at Batu Caves, Malaysia February 1, 2026. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain

A towering statue of Lord Murugan stands beside the 272 steps leading to Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple as devotees make their Thaipusam pilgrimage at Batu Caves in Selangor. — Reuters

Teachers and students holding up vibrant Spring Festival couplets at a school in Kuala Lumpur. — Xinhua

TOPSHOT - A worker hangs illuminated lanterns during the Lanterns and Flora Festival at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse in Jenjarom, Malaysia's Selangor state on February 10, 2026. (Photo by Arif Kartono / AFP)

A worker hanging glowing lanterns during the Lanterns and Flora Festival at Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse. — AFP