GEORGE TOWN – Hindu organisations, temples and suppliers in Penang stand to lose up to RM10 million in economic value with the cancellation of the public Thaipusam celebration for the first time in 164 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) executive director Datuk M. Ramachandran, the estimated economic loss is due to direct and indirect cancellations of many proceedings related to the annual festivities.
It is estimated that some RM500,000 to RM700,000 in donations would be missed from the annual procession involving the golden chariot, which is cancelled, and the silver chariot, which went on without any stops and crowds yesterday.
The procession involving the chariots is one of the most revered rituals of Thaipusam in Penang. It entails a 7km journey from two temples in Little India here to two major Lord Murugan Hindu temples in the Waterfall area.
The new golden chariot usually ends at Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil, better known as the Waterfall Hilltop temple, or Thaneer Malai.
The 127-year-old silver chariot, meanwhile, finishes its journey at the Nattukotai Chettiar temple.
Along the way, thousands of devotees would donate cash and jewellery to the temples, but not this year.
Millions of ringgit would also be transacted for transport, logistics, food, beverages, Indian sweetmeats, flowers, coconuts and bananas.
There would also be the hectic sale of ornaments and items used for worship, such as milk, betel leaves, incense sticks and stainless steel wares, said Ramachandran.
Barbers would also lose revenue from not being able to shave the heads of pilgrims during the event.
Ramachandran said PHEB alone spends RM40,000 for flowers and ceremonial items, in addition to necessary wares donated by devotees, every year.
A total of 147 thaneer panthals (shaded stalls) each spends a minimum of RM30,000 to offer food, drink and aid to devotees.
The provision of free food alone throughout the festival period can cost up to RM1 million, while the public announcement system costs RM18,000.
Coconut traders said they now stand to lose up to RM500,000 because they have imported many coconuts without realising this year’s event would be cancelled.
Despite the huge losses incurred, Ramachandran said the cancellation is unavoidable in view of the need to better safeguard public health against the coronavirus.
“I think everybody wants to avoid any clusters from this religious occasion. We must sacrifice for the good of our devotees, and hopefully, things will return to normal next year with the vaccine.”
Devotees and tourists missed
Nattukottai Chettiar temple trustee Dr A. Narayanan said the main loss will be the absence of devotees themselves.
“We will not suffer any loss monetarily. The temple usually spends a large sum on free meals for the three days of the festival. Donations of groceries, milk, oil, rice and so on offset our expenses.
However, he said, the temple will not be able to collect donations in its money box that go towards Tamil schools, needy orphanages and charity homes.
“We will not be able to do that this year.”
There will also be the absence of tourists, especially foreign ones, who help make the festival famous and lively.
Steve Ng Wai Hoo, vice-chairman of the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said houses of worship in the state are among the country’s top tourism draws.
He pointed out that the Thaipusam and Taoist Pai Thee Kong celebrations are unique and draw numerous tourists every year. – The Vibes, January 28, 2021
Additional reporting by Ian McIntyre
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