PENANG expects some 1.5 million Hindu devotees to attend today's Thaipusam celebrations - causing an congestions along many roads on the island.
The celebration here spreads over four days - the first to mark the sacred journey of the Golden Chariot.
Yesterday saw the Silver Chariot movement, while today is also the day for the Kavadi Attam and tomorrow, both sacred chariots would return to their respective temples in George Town.
Thaipusam stands for the display of burden where devotees carry a kavadi, a physical structure that is often elaborately decorated with some body piercing.
The kavadi is the devotees' offering to Lord Murugan as an act of devotion, sacrifice and penance.
The Waterfall route towards the grandeur Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple has 169 panthal stopovers to aid the devotees with religious offerings, vegetarian food and drinks.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow led various dignitaries including the Penang Hindu Endowment Board to witness the proceedings, which is a major religious, cultural and touristy event for the state.
Chow expressed hope that road users would be patient in navigating the roads here due to the congestion which revolves around George Town, Pulau Tikus and Waterfall areas.
Endowment Board chairman RSN Rayer hopes that the devotees would abide by the regulations and not to wear precious jewellery to avoid any unnecessary losses in the midst of a crowded condition.
Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan said that the state PKR under the leadership of Nurul Izzah Anwar has prepared 10,000 food packs to be distributed to the devotees and visitors.
Former state assemblyman S. Raveentharan urged road users to opt for public transport during the height of the celebrations to avoid been ensnared by the congestion. - February 11, 2025.
