GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s famous silver chariot has arrived back at its resting place at the Kovil Veedu temple here after a low-key 7km journey from the Nattukottai Chettiar temple in Waterfall, marking the end of this year’s Thaipusam.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, religious rites were conducted at home, except for customary prayers at the two temples, which were observed by priests and temple committee members.
Nattukottai Chettiar trustee Dr A. Narayanan told The Vibes that the silver chariot left the Waterfall area at 1am and arrived at Kovil Veedu at 2.50am.
“The journey was smooth and uneventful.”
Accompanied by 10 officials and police, the chariot made the return trip for the first time in a century without the usual crowds of pilgrims, but the journey was viewed on social media by devotees.
The event went smoothly despite earlier rumours of legal action to prevent the chariot from returning.
The Penang government, which barred the golden chariot from the annual procession so as to curb the spread of Covid-19, banned public Thaipusam celebrations this year due to the health crisis.
Dr Narayanan earlier said the silver chariot’s round trip would not be processional, but just a “cart movement” complying with the standard operating procedures.
“In addition, we appreciate the support and cooperation of devotees to kindly not gather around the chariot for the return journey.
“We sought the fullest cooperation from the public to ensure the return journey happens peacefully and uninterrupted, just like the onward journey.”
The state, through Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, had expressed indignation at the Nattukottai Chettiar management for bypassing its ruling to get federal consent for the silver chariot’s journey.
He said there is a possibility of a show-cause notice being issued to the temple, and reportedly spoke about a move to take over the house of worship. – The Vibes, January 30, 2021
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