Malaysia

Vendors happy to return to Batu Caves after two-year hiatus  

Businesses pick up again as visitors throng temple for Thaipusam celebrations

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 04 Feb 2023 8:08PM

Vendors happy to return to Batu Caves after two-year hiatus  
Vendors express their happiness with the return of visitors to Batu Caves for the Thaipusam celebrations after a two-year hiatus. – SUBASHINI SIVASANKAR/The Vibes pic, February 4, 2023

by Subashini Sivasankar

KUALA LUMPUR — Following the Covid-19 pandemic, vendors who are a common feature during the Thaipusam celebrations are happy to be back again, this year.

Speaking to The Vibes, Manimala who is a garland shop owner said she was delighted to be able to set up her business once again this Thaipusam after two years.  

“We are actually happy to be back here again. As a garland shop owner, I usually enjoy smooth business even on normal days. 

“But Thaipusam is extra special for us because of our Lord Murugan,” said the 52-year-old.  

She said her business for the past four days including today has been more than what she had expected and it helped her to cover her rental and other expenses in Batu Caves.  

Meanwhile, Rajalingam, a sweet shop owner, said that he has been in this industry for more than 25 years.  

“I have been setting up my shop at Batu Caves for almost 15 years now.  

“The past two years were very hard and I struggled so much to make ends meet.

“Financially and mentally, we had to go through so much just to go back to normal. Now my business is picking up again,” said the 52-year-old owner.  

Expressing similar sentiments, traditional dress shop owner Rajalaskmi, 43, said that being here after two years felt like a dream come true for her.  

“I have been selling traditional clothes here for more than 18 years during Thaipusam.  

“The past years without business and celebrations were really hard for us but fortunately, with all the blessings of God, now we are all back to normal.  

“Business has been good and I hope I can get good profits this year after two years,” she said. – The Vibes, February 4, 2023 

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