Penang Expects 1.5 Million Devotees This Thaipusam

Every year, over a million Hindus, congregate at various Murugan temples around all states in Malaysia to celebrate Thaipusam.

This year, Penang has expected a massive crowd with over 1.5 million people visiting this coming Thaipusam.

Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthabani Temple chairman Datuk Seri P. Kuvena Raju during an interview with Bernama said the festival was held on a small and moderate scale for the last two years to curb the spread of Covid-19. They are now expecting 1.5 devotees for three days to fulfill their vows since it was disrupted for the past two years, so it will be a challenge for us to conduct the festival in the best way.

This year, Thaipusam falls on the weekend, while Monday will be a holiday.

“We do expect devotees from Medan, Jakarta, and Singapore to participate in the Penang procession. In the past, we even got devotees coming all the way from London. The golden chariot procession would start as early as 6 am on Feb 4 at Lebuh Queen and was expected to arrive at the Thanneermalai Temple at midnight at the earliest, depending on the traffic situation”, added Raju.

Along with that, the temple chairman advised the people to act responsibly and think of the welfare of other devotees for the celebration to proceed smoothly. He also requested the public to follow all the rules and not litter as there are enough places to dispose of rubbish.

Meanwhile, Nagarathar Thanduthabani Temple trustee Dr. A. Narayanan said the procession of the silver chariot, bearing the idol of Lord Murugan, will begin at 7 am at Nagarathar Kovil Vidu Temple, Lebuh Penang, and is expected to reach the Waterfall Temple grounds at 1 or 2 am.

“After the procession, the silver chariot is expected to return to the temple at Lebuh Penang on Feb 6 at around 8 am. Everything should go well and we expect the public will cooperate,” he said to Bernama.

Have a blessed Thaipusam and not forgetting the standard operating procedures. While fulfilling the vows make sure to take care of yourself and your loved ones on that day.