The annual Maasi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha at Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple is expected to attract around 30,000 devotees this year, marking the 129th edition of the historic sea-based religious celebration.
Temple chairman A.Kanapathy said the festival, scheduled to take place on 2nd March, traces it’s roots back to 1897, grounded in the beliefs of early settlers and fisherman who viewed the sea as a vital source of sustenance and divine protection. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bernama, he explained that prayers at the sea continue a tradition born from gratitude and reverence for the sea and it’s blessings.
Kanapathy added that historical artefacts and old deity statues discovered during the temple’s early years were once immersed in the sea, reinforcing the belief that a divine presence remains there. This unique heritage gives the Teluk Bahang Maasi Magam celebration a distinct identity lined closely to the temple’s origin.
Maasi Magam is observed annually during the full moon between February and March, with Maasi referring to the Tamil calendar month and Magam being one of the 27 stars in Hindu astrology. Devotees believe prayers offered during the period carry special spiritual significance and are more likely to be fulfilled through the blessings of Signamuga Kaliamman.
Preparations for the festival are progressing smoothly with strong community involvement, including youth and women from Teluk Bahang, as well as 30 to 50 volunteers from outside the area. The day’s programme will begin at 6.30 AM with milk pot offerings, followed by temple rituals and special prayers. Annandam (food offering) will be held at noon, while the main evening pooja at 6PM will precede the procession of the deity to the sea. More than 50 stalls are also expected to operate during the festival.
To ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow, the temple committee is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police, along with the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA).
A highlight of the Theppa Thiruvizha is the elaborate decorated floating chariot, illuminated with lights and flowers, carrying the temple’s deities into the sea. Thousands of devotees will also release lantern-like lights along the coastline while making wishes, transforming Teluk Bahang’s shores into a vivid and spirituality charged spectacle.
Sources: Bernama
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