Citrawarna or Colours of Malaysia will kick off with a bang at the nation's seat of government in Putrajaya with cultural performances that include street dance and shows by entourage from all 13 states in Malaysia.

This year, Citrawarna celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event is scheduled to begin from 5pm and the audience is expected to comprise both locals and foreigners.

Foreign guests will include representatives of foreign media brought by the government under the Mega Familiarisation programme to give the event a worldwide coverage.

Citrawarna, costing RM8 million to host, will also be televised live nationwide.

Those unable to attend the event held in front of the Palace of Justice and the length of Persiaran Perdana could watch it from the comfort of their homes. The event will showcase various ethnic groups in Malaysia showing part of their culture, such as dances and traditional costumes.

Citrawarna will end with dazzling firework displays and light shows managed by Ad Suria Sdn Bhd for the second time. The same company was entrusted with similar shows held during last year's Citrawarna at the same venue.

Citrarasa featuring a wide selection of flavours from across the nation will begin with a food fest beginning on June 6 at the Titiwangsa Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur.

This will follow a nationwide roadshow with the closing ceremony taking place in Miri, Sarawak on June 20.

Citrarasa will allow locals and tourists to go on a gastronomic tour of discovery, savouring local cuisines and selection of exotic fruits from the different states of Malaysia. It presents a landscape of sights and tastes demonstrating the country's rich cultural diversity.

The event will also include food promotions and demonstrations at hotels, shopping malls and tourists' destinations nationwide.

Citrawarna and Citrarasa are organised by the Tourism Ministry and Tourism Malaysia.