Masi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha is a sacred religious ritual scheduled to take place on March 2, 2026. The Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple in Teluk Bahang, Penang, will celebrate this day, bringing together thousands of devotees. Recognized as the only Hindu temple floating chariot festival, the annual celebration features a beautifully decorated floating chariot carrying the temple’s deities in a ceremonial sea procession.
In conjunction with this year’s festival, Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Somu, the Penang State Executive Councillor for Housing and Environment, delivered a strong environmental message during a press conference held at the temple. This message is “Say No to Styrofoam/Plastic Lantern Lights,” and the conference was organized in collaboration with the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), the Penang Green Council (PGC), Malaysia Hindu Sangam Penang State, and the temple management.
During the festival, devotees will release floating lanterns into the sea as a symbol of prayer and hope. However, many of these lanterns are made from styrofoam or polystyrene due to their lightweight properties. While these materials may seem convenient, they contribute to marine pollution as they do not biodegrade easily, affecting the marine ecosystem, endangering sea life, and contaminating coastal waters.
In response, the Penang State Government, along with these organizations, is urging devotees to refrain from using non-biodegradable materials. Devotees are encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives that can float yet decompose naturally without harming the marine ecosystem.
This initiative also includes the distribution of 2,000 complimentary no-single-use plastic bags to devotees, as part of a campaign aimed at promoting responsible consumption habits. Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Ramu also mentioned that to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for devotees, free Rapid Penang transportation services will be provided from Tanjung Bungah and KOMTAR to Teluk Bahang on the day of the festival.
As the sacred ritual approaches, this year’s Masi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha stands not only as a symbol of devotion and unity but also as a reminder that faith and environmental safety can go hand in hand.
Source: BERNAMA
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