In a blend of tradition and technology, the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple has officially introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced chariot tracking system to guide devotees during this year’s Thaipusam Silver Chariot procession in Penang.
The new system, launched under the dedicated domain Silver Chariot Penang, will provide real-time location updates and estimated arrival times, allowing devotees to better plan their participation along the procession route. Speaking at a press conference held at the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple, managing trustee PRC Veerappan said the tracker has been calibrated using data collected over the past 2 years, enabling more accurate timing predictions.
“This year, we are officially launching our own tracker under a new domain, Silver Chariot Penang. It is enhanced with AI and calibrated using data collected over the past 2 years to provide more accurate timing predictions,” he said.
A Chariot Steeped in History
The launch comes as the iconic Silver Chariot marks it’s 132nd year, having been built in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, and shipped to Penang in 1894. The main Thaipusam procession itself enters it’s 169th year, having continued uninterrupted even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the first 35 years of Thaipusam celebrations in Penang, a wooden chariot was used before it was replaced by the current Silver Chariot, which stands 23.9 metres tall and weighs approximately five tonnes.
Veerappan noted that the chariot undergoes annual maintenance carried out by volunteers spanning three generations, who oversee tasks such as greasing, polishing and repairing the lighting, ensuring it’s preservation year after year.
Animal Welfare Measures Clarified
Addressing public speculation, Veerappan clarified that 32 bulls or 16 pairs will be used to pull the chariot during the procession. Each pair will be rotated every 500 metres to prevent fatigue, ensuring the animals welfare throughout the journey.
Procession Schedule and Route
The temple has requested permission from authorities to commence the 31st January procession at 5.30AM, a move aimed at reducing delays along the route.
The chariot will begin it’s journey from the Nagrathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang, passing through Chulia Street, Victoria Street, Maxwell Road, Jalan Datuk Keramat, and Western Road, before reaching the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple. For the return leg, the chariot will depart the Nattykottai Chettiar Temple at 6.30PM on 2nd February, arriving back at Lebuh Penang at 8.30AM the following day.
A Unique Thaipusam Tradition
Thaipusam in Penang holds a district identity through ‘Chetti Pusam,’ observe a day earlier by the Chettiar community, featuring a procession of 90 peacock kavadis. Since 2017, the celebrations have also included a golden chariot bearing the ‘vel’ (spear), further enriching the festival’s cultural tapestry.
With the introduction of AI-powered tracking, Penang’s Thaipusam celebrations continue to evolve, honouring centuries-old traditions while embracing modern technology to enhance the experience for devotees.
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