The Selangor state government will provide financial assistance to 50 Hindu temples across the state in conjunction with the upcoming Thaipusam festival, announced Selangor State Humanitarian and Poverty Eradication Committee member V. Papparaidu. He stated that temple representatives have already been informed and the aid will support preparations for Thaipusam celebrations, including religious activities, crowd management and welfare initiatives for devotees.
As part of the Thaipusam programme, a large-scale annadhanam (free food distribution) event will be held on January 31 at 8.00pm at Batu Caves. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, along with state assembly members and parliamentary representatives, is scheduled to attend the event.
In addition to Thaipusam support, Papparaidu also announced details of the Selangor State Pongal Celebration 2026, which will take place on January 17 in Ampang. Morning programmes will be held at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kampung Tasik Permai, Ampang Jaya, featuring traditional rituals and cultural offerings. The celebrations will continue in the evening at Dewan Dato’ Ahmad Razali, where a major cultural programme is expected to attract between 5,000 and 8,000 participants.
Papparaidu said both Thaipusam and Pongal are important celebrations for the Tamil and Hindu community, and the state government is committed to ensuring that the festivals are celebrated smoothly, safely and with adequate facilities. He added that these initiatives are part of Selangor’s broader efforts to promote multicultural harmony and safeguard the welfare of all communities in the state.
Source: Thisaigal News
