In the spirit of the “Visit Perak” theme of this year and the auspicious Thaipusam festival, Ipoh’s Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple President R. Seetharaman is optimistic about a significant turnout of approximately half a million devotees and tourists for the upcoming Hindu holy celebration.
Seetharaman affirms the continued splendour of Thaipusam at Kallumalai Temple, assuring an atmosphere reminiscent of the religious celebrations observed in the previous year. The main highlight of this year’s festivity is set to be the presentation of over 300 kavadis, featuring a rich diversity of religious expression which include the light kavadi, patrai kavadi, karumbu kavadi, and thol kavadi. This eclectic array of designs promises to infuse a vibrant and spiritually enriching emotion into the upcoming festivities.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Seetharaman emphasises that the temple committee is proactively addressing the situation and will implement structured solutions for the safety of the public. Strict safety measures are advised for all visitors, including adherence to precautions such as wearing masks, routine hand sanitization, and avoiding congested areas. Individuals displaying symptoms are encouraged to visit the Perak State Health Department’s health booth for COVID-19 checks.
With the temple now under new management, a careful arrangement of facilities has been put in place to elevate the overall experience for devotees during Thaipusam. On the auspicious day of Thaipusam itself, more than 300 stalls have been registered and are set to operate, offering a wide range of items such as food, beverages, clothing, accessories, toys for children, and ‘annadhanam’.
The chariot’s journey is a significant aspect of the Thaipusam celebration. It is scheduled to commence its journey from the mother temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, at Jalan Sungai, Buntong, Ipoh, Perak, at 6 a.m., reaching Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple at noon on the same day. The return journey is slated for January 26, with the chariot departing from Kallumalai Temple at 5 p.m. and reaching Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 11:59 a.m. the next day.
As the auspicious occasion approaches, the temple invites all devotees and visitors to partake in the vibrant celebrations while prioritising safety and adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
Source: Malay Mail
