THOUSANDS of Hindu devotees bearing ‘archenai’ — trays laden with coconuts, money, fruits and flowers — thronged the city centre last night to take part in the silver chariot procession held in conjunction with Thaipusam.
The procession began at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple along Jalan Tun H S Lee and proceeded towards Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple at Batu Caves.
Starting at about 9pm, the silver chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan moved through the city accompanied by traditional Indian musical instruments, including the mridangam and natheswaran (traditional Indian music instruments).
Devotees carrying paal kudam and participating in various religious performances followed closely behind.
A Bernama observation found the atmosphere along the procession route to be festive yet orderly, with officers from the Federal Reserve Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police and volunteers deployed to manage security and traffic.
Adding to the celebratory mood were numerous thaneer panthal ( free refreshment stalls) tents offering free food and drinks to devotees and visitors throughout the night.
Sharing her experience, devotee K Vishalini, 29, said taking part in the procession from its starting point held deep personal meaning.
“When you come here for Thaipusam, it is not just about prayers, but also the feeling and the atmosphere. This is where the journey begins. When we first see Lord Murugan on the chariot at the starting point, we feel truly blessed. This is also where people gather and where the celebration begins,” she said.
She added that her family planned to continue following the procession.
“That is why we came tonight, and we will come again tomorrow morning. We follow the chariot wherever it is at that time, and from there we continue walking to Batu Caves. Some people begin their journey from here, like my brother-in-law,” she said.
Vishalini also stressed that Thaipusam symbolises unity and togetherness beyond individual vows.
“Thaipusam is not only about prayer, it is also about unity. My brother-in-law, for example, completed his paal kudam vow last week. Tonight, he walks alongside the chariot as a form of devotion, following it wherever it goes.
“Along the way, you can see canopies, music, dance and celebration. It feels like we are welcoming and walking together with Lord Murugan. That is why we want to be part of this procession,” she said.
Her husband, S Suria Kumar, 30, said the significance of the location lay in its role as the starting point of the sacred journey.
“We came today because this is where Lord Murugan is brought out from the temple and placed on the chariot. From here, everyone moves together towards Batu Caves, and it is very beautiful to witness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said traffic conditions had remained smooth so far, with the chariot procession that began at 9pm expected to reach Batu Caves in the early hours of the morning.
He said 12 road junctions around the capital had been closed and diverted in stages to facilitate the movement of the procession. - January 31, 2026
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