GEORGE TOWN – Despite this weekend’s rainy forecast, preparations are in full swing for the double festivity celebrations of Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh, both of which fall on Sunday, in Penang
A check with the Malaysian Meteorological Department online site shows there is a chance for showers in isolated places over the period.
This is unlikely to hinder the anticipated arrival of up to 1.5 million of devotees and tourists for both events.
The official venue for Chap Goh Meh is the Esplanade grounds whereas the Thaipusam procession featuring the silver chariot and the golden chariot will begin from town and culminate at the waterfall area where the main festivities take place.
Both the silver chariot and the golden chariot processions will be held tomorrow.
The procession of the golden chariot will begin at the temple on Queen Street at 6.30am, while the procession of the silver chariot will begin at the temple on Penang Street an hour later.
Penang police chief Datuk Mohad Shuhaily Mohd Zain said that several roads in George Town will be closed from 6.30am tomorrow until 7pm on Monday.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that plans are underway to host the Experience Penang-Chap Goh Meh celebration on Sunday from 6pm at the Esplanade and the adjacent Padang Kota Lama.
Despite worries over the weather, Yeoh said that there will be a variety of traditional games, a Chingay performance, Chinese orchestra and acrobatic performances, all set to thrill the tourists coming over.
Artistes such as Shila Amzah, Vic Teoh, Layla Sania, Jia Yao Sun, Fazz Band, and local top acts will also grace the event here.
Yeoh also revealed that Penang will likely have its biggest fireworks display from both the Esplanade and from The Top, which is the Komtar tower’s famous tourism attraction.
The state is going all out to mark the event, as it is being held after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The crowds are advised to be mindful of road closures and surging traffic congestion in the areas around and leading to the venues.
The state urged festival-goers to consider using public transport, which will be available during the weekend period – The Vibes, February 3, 2023.
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