My last article mentioned about the festive seasons in Malaysia that will be celebrated back to back; the
'Deepavali' and 'Hari Raya Aidil Fitri'.

Let me also describe a little why going home or 'back kampong' is such a huge phenomenon here. As you see, it may also be the same as going home for the holiday seasons in other countries and cultures.

The younger generations in Malaysia prefer moving away from home and family as there are always plenty of opportunities for them away from from. Then, they settledown and bought properties away from home. All these made homecoming a very important event of the year.

Eventhough Malaysia has progressed into a well developed country with well maintained highways and interstate roads, the possibility that these roads are safe and clear on festive seasons is still unknown. Even weeks before the festive seasons, there are many accidents involving the express buses, lorries and also passenger- cars.

That is a reason why these 'out of the cities' exodus are such a great phenomenon here. Children back from the cities or anywhere far are warmly welcome by every parent. There will be lots of joys, laughters, sharing news,... etc. There will also be extra cars parked along the narrow lane outside the rows of terrace house. There will be noises of laughters and sometimes, firecrackers till the next morning.

Best of all, nobody complains. Why? Because, there are so many festive seasons in Malaysia, and everyone likes to have holidays too! As long as everything is OK, everyone is happy.

And this is why "Balik Kampong" is a great event to look forward to......