GEORGE TOWN – For the first time in what is believed to be a religious practice for more than 200 years here, Penang has decided to not allow public participation in this year’s Thaipusam celebrations.
Instead, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has decided to carry out a livestream of the prayer sessions at the two temples for devotees to watch.
PHEB chief executive officer Datuk M. Ramachandran told The Vibes that the decision aims to safeguard the health of the devotees in times of Covid-19.
“So, there will be no chariots, kavadis, palkudam, or devotees in this year’s Thaipusam. We want to be a responsible religious body, safeguarding the interest and health of the devotees.”
He said the decision was made following all five of Penang’s districts becoming Covid-19 red zones.
Thaipusam will be celebrated on January 28 and 29 during the full moon of the Hindu calendar, which is a public holiday in the state.
The hilltop Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple under PHEB and the Nattukottai Chettiar temple celebrate the Thaipusam festival, and both temples have been conducting chariot processions during the three-day celebration.
“We held a dialogue with the Nattukottai Chettiar temple committee this morning and we have explained the PHEB’s stand on this matter. We hope to find an amicable solution and will be meeting again.”
The northeast and southwest districts on the island, Seberang Prai Utara, Seberang Prai Tengah and Seberang Prai Selatan on the mainland were declared red zones yesterday following a spike in Covid-19 infections.
The state today recorded 60 new Covid-19 cases while the country recorded 2,027 cases and eight deaths. – The Vibes, January 5, 2021
