[PHOTOS] Colours of Thaipusam remain vibrant despite subdued attendance
Devotees, excited onlookers gather at Batu Caves, the focal point of the festivities
Updated 2 years ago · Published on 18 Jan 2022 10:00AM
Despite strict SOPs keeping a large chunk of devotees away, Thaipusam celebrations at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves remain colourful and lively. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022
by Syeda Imran
KUALA LUMPUR – Every year, the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves becomes not just a focal point for Thaipusam celebrations, but also a tourist attraction for enthusiastic shutterbugs in their bid to capture dramatic, colourful photos.
But, the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years has caused the government to tighten standard operating procedures (SOPs) and limit attendance in Batu Caves.
This time, only a certain number of registered and fully vaccinated devotees are allowed to be there.
Even kavadis are prohibited this year, causing much stir among the Indian community.
Apart from Batu Caves, Thaipusam is also majorly celebrated in Melaka, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Perak and Penang.
The Vibes photographer SYEDA IMRAN – with supporting pictures by AZIM RAHMAN and ALIF OMAR – found that Thaipusam has not only attracted devotees, but excited onlookers, too, since preparations began in earnest on Saturday. – The Vibes, January 18, 2022
A young devotee sporting a freshly shaved head – a common sight during Thaipusam as Murugan worshippers offer their hair as a symbol of gratitude, sacrifice and appreciation. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Despite strict SOPs, the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves is awash in festive light even with only 6,000 devotees allowed into its grounds daily. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022The 272 steps leading up to a limestone cave temple in Batu Caves have been seeing much activity since Saturday as Hindus make the long, arduous journey to signify their devotion. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Devotees carry 'paal kudam' (milk pots) to be poured on the statue of Murugan at the Sri Subramaniar Temple. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Devotees carry paal kudam during theThaipusam celebration as a symbol of their vows. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Only registered paal kudam bearers are allowed to enter the Sri Subramaniar Temple in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Sri Subramaniar Temple officials prepare thiruneer (holy ash) to be distributed to devotees at Batu Caves. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022A layer of soothing yellow liquid applied to freshly shaved scalps is the finishing touch to the practice of tonsure during Thaipusam. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Under this year's strict Thaipusam SOPs, head shaving is only allowed in barbershops. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022The temple at the top of Batu Caves, which would usually be filled with devotees during Thaipusam, seen here with just a few people as part of the house of worship's effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022A priest ties a sacred bracelet around a paal kudam-bearer's wrist to mark the end of her Thaipusam journey. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022Milk brought up to the limestone cave temple by devotees is poured on a statue of Murugan. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022A devotee holds his hands up in prayer as the silver chariot arrives at Batu Caves. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022The arrival of the silver chariot at Batu Caves last night, carrying the idols of Murugan and his two wives, goddesses Valli and Theivanai from the Sri Mahamariamman temple, marking the beginning of the Thaipusam celebrations. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, January 18, 2022
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