During the seventh month of the lunar calendar, communities in Malaysia participate in the Hungry Ghost Festival. This cultural and religious event is rooted in a blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk beliefs that emphasize the ongoing connection between the living and the dead. Participants engage in rituals designed to care for their ancestors and provide offerings to spirits believed to be wandering the earth during this period.

The festival serves as a time for families to pay respects to deceased relatives, ensuring they are remembered and honored. Simultaneously, rituals are performed to appease spirits who are considered to be without family or home. These practices often include the burning of incense, the preparation of food offerings, and the performance of traditional ceremonies intended to maintain harmony between the living and the spiritual realm. While the festival is a significant cultural marker in Malaysia, it remains a private and communal observance rather than a state-mandated event, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the region.