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AN estimated 1.5 million devotees and visitors from all over the world thronged Batu Caves yesterday for the Thaipusam festival.
Trains and streets were packed with colourful sarees and kurta as Batu Caves became the epicentre of celebrations dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Muruga.
The hot weather did not deter the thousands of people who flocked to the Sri Subramaniyar Temple to either participate or observe the festival seen as a day of penance by fulfilling vows.
The heady aroma of incense and flowers filled the air and a long snake-like procession of devotees carrying kavadi (a decorated structure bearing the image of Lord Muruga borne on the shoulders) and paal kudam (milk pots) could be seen for several kilometres.
Two tourists from Malta, Xavier Wanbergue, 30, and Rachel Robinson, 28, said it was their first time attending Thaipusam, though they were intrigued by the festival for many years.
"I saw pictures of the festival on the Internet years ago and I have always wanted to come and see it for myself," said Robinson.
She said although she did not fully understand the "extreme" acts of the devotees, she thought the procession was an incredible cultural experience.
Wanbergue was surprised that children also participated.
"Usually, the highlight of any religious procession would be led by adults, but its nice to see that even children are as devoted as the grown ups," he said.
Byeoung-keun, 43, from South Korea, who has been attending the Thaipusam celebrations for six years, said the festival never ceases to amaze him.
"I love to see the dedication and strength shown by the Hindus on this day. It is not easy climbing the steps. I would like to attend the festival as a participant one day," he said.
For Corinne Noresh, 57, a Frenchwoman currently residing here, Thaipusam is one festival that every Malaysian should experience.
"I think some still don't realise the significance and importance of this day to their Hindu friends. The celebration in Batu Caves is one that is revered by people who follow it from around the world," she said.
When asked about this year's Thaipusam, Noresh said she was overwhelmed by the faith of the devotees.
"The place was already packed before 5am with people all dressed, shaved and ready. Truly inspirational," she said.
In George Town, thousands of devotees made their way to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple at Kebun Bunga.
Comprising people from different ethnic groups, they started cleansing their bodies as early as 1am and devotees, accompanied by their families, carried kavadi and milk pots to fulfil their vows.
It was a sight to behold as a sea of people, which grew by midday, paid homage to Lord Muruga.
Foreign tourists were enthralled by the acts of penance and by the devotees moving in a trance with their kavadi as hooks pierced their body.
One devotee, L. Sugumaran, 42, from Sungai Petani, Kedah, said: "I pray for my children's good health and more importantly, for them to do well in their examinations."
A colourful chariot procession marked the start of the festival at 6am on Monday. Devotees lined the streets to smash coconuts when the chariot passed them.
Starting at Lebuh Penang, the procession proceeded via Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Utama to the main temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Hundreds of policemen and policewomen were stationed among the crowds. It was a relatively trouble-free festival, except for two reported snatch thefts on Monday morning.
In Ipoh, more than 150,000 devotees and visitors thronged the streets.
Among them was B. Vetheswaran Chettiar, who pierced his body with hooks to give thanks for having done well in his Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah last year. For obtaining 6As he had six hooks in his body.
Three of his younger siblings, twin brothers Vethenthiran and Vethanayagan, 12, and sister Vethavalli, 8, joined him in the 6km barefoot walk to the Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh. They carried the paal kudam.
Speaking to the New Straits Times after fufilling his vow, Vetheswaran said he had been carrying the paal kudam during Thaipusam since he was 3.
"Even my younger siblings started the same practice when they turned 3," he said, adding that his parents, S. Bala, 42, and K. Nirmala, 34, supported and guided him to fulfil his vow.
Asked if he felt pain as the hooks pulled on his skin as he walked, the 13-year-old student of SMK Tanjung Rambutan said he did not.
"I was not really conscious of the hooks on my body and neither was I afraid when the hooks pierced my body," he said, adding that he had followed a strict vegetarian diet, good conduct, daily prayers and fasted for about a month.
Bala said he and his wife had always taught their children the importance of spiritual education and experience.
"Every Thaipusam, my wife and I will bring our children to the temple to obtain Lord Muruga's blessings and pray for the family's good health and prosperity.
"From young, both of us exposed our children to religion. I hope they continue their spiritual growth when they become adults," he said.
In Johor Baru, about 3,000 people joined a 6km procession of devotees carrying kavadi and other offerings, as it passed three temples in the downtown area.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the recent festivals of Chinese New Year, Maulidur Rasul and Thaipusam demonstrated Malaysia's vibrancy when it came to tolerance among different religions and cultures.
"As Malaysians, we believe in God. We believe in religion, and it is an accepted norm for us," he said at a Thaipusam event at the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani temple.
At the same function, Ghani announced a RM500,000 contribution to the temple for its consecration plans and its proposed new multipurpose hall.
The state government was also contributing another RM100,000 as an annual grant for the temple to organise various programmes for the youth.
Ghani also echoed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Thaipusam message for the Hindu community to trust the government.
"Give your trust to the prime minister to continue leading the country. I know Datuk Seri Najib and of his plans and awareness about protecting the interests of the community."
In Kuantan, more than 5,000 people joined a 5km procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Kemunting to the Sri Sithi Vinayagar temple in Jalan Bukit Ubi.
Among them were some 90 devotees who fulfilled their vows by carrying kavadi and paal kudam. The devotees later joined the prayers at the temple before lunch was served at 12.30pm.
The temple took on a carnival-like atmosphere, with stalls selling traditional Indian food and drinks, framed copper images of Hindu deities and colourful flowers. Additional reporting by Adib Povera, G. Surach, Predeep Nambiar, Kalaavani Karupiah, Phuah Ken Lin, Fahirul N. Ramli, D. Kanyakumari and Nicholas Cheng
The hot weather did not deter the thousands of people who flocked to the Sri Subramaniyar Temple to either participate or observe the festival seen as a day of penance by fulfilling vows.
The heady aroma of incense and flowers filled the air and a long snake-like procession of devotees carrying kavadi (a decorated structure bearing the image of Lord Muruga borne on the shoulders) and paal kudam (milk pots) could be seen for several kilometres.
Two tourists from Malta, Xavier Wanbergue, 30, and Rachel Robinson, 28, said it was their first time attending Thaipusam, though they were intrigued by the festival for many years.
"I saw pictures of the festival on the Internet years ago and I have always wanted to come and see it for myself," said Robinson.
She said although she did not fully understand the "extreme" acts of the devotees, she thought the procession was an incredible cultural experience.
Wanbergue was surprised that children also participated.
"Usually, the highlight of any religious procession would be led by adults, but its nice to see that even children are as devoted as the grown ups," he said.
Byeoung-keun, 43, from South Korea, who has been attending the Thaipusam celebrations for six years, said the festival never ceases to amaze him.
"I love to see the dedication and strength shown by the Hindus on this day. It is not easy climbing the steps. I would like to attend the festival as a participant one day," he said.
For Corinne Noresh, 57, a Frenchwoman currently residing here, Thaipusam is one festival that every Malaysian should experience.
"I think some still don't realise the significance and importance of this day to their Hindu friends. The celebration in Batu Caves is one that is revered by people who follow it from around the world," she said.
When asked about this year's Thaipusam, Noresh said she was overwhelmed by the faith of the devotees.
"The place was already packed before 5am with people all dressed, shaved and ready. Truly inspirational," she said.
In George Town, thousands of devotees made their way to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple at Kebun Bunga.
Comprising people from different ethnic groups, they started cleansing their bodies as early as 1am and devotees, accompanied by their families, carried kavadi and milk pots to fulfil their vows.
It was a sight to behold as a sea of people, which grew by midday, paid homage to Lord Muruga.
Foreign tourists were enthralled by the acts of penance and by the devotees moving in a trance with their kavadi as hooks pierced their body.
One devotee, L. Sugumaran, 42, from Sungai Petani, Kedah, said: "I pray for my children's good health and more importantly, for them to do well in their examinations."
A colourful chariot procession marked the start of the festival at 6am on Monday. Devotees lined the streets to smash coconuts when the chariot passed them.
Starting at Lebuh Penang, the procession proceeded via Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Utama to the main temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Hundreds of policemen and policewomen were stationed among the crowds. It was a relatively trouble-free festival, except for two reported snatch thefts on Monday morning.
In Ipoh, more than 150,000 devotees and visitors thronged the streets.
Among them was B. Vetheswaran Chettiar, who pierced his body with hooks to give thanks for having done well in his Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah last year. For obtaining 6As he had six hooks in his body.
Three of his younger siblings, twin brothers Vethenthiran and Vethanayagan, 12, and sister Vethavalli, 8, joined him in the 6km barefoot walk to the Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh. They carried the paal kudam.
Speaking to the New Straits Times after fufilling his vow, Vetheswaran said he had been carrying the paal kudam during Thaipusam since he was 3.
"Even my younger siblings started the same practice when they turned 3," he said, adding that his parents, S. Bala, 42, and K. Nirmala, 34, supported and guided him to fulfil his vow.
Asked if he felt pain as the hooks pulled on his skin as he walked, the 13-year-old student of SMK Tanjung Rambutan said he did not.
"I was not really conscious of the hooks on my body and neither was I afraid when the hooks pierced my body," he said, adding that he had followed a strict vegetarian diet, good conduct, daily prayers and fasted for about a month.
Bala said he and his wife had always taught their children the importance of spiritual education and experience.
"Every Thaipusam, my wife and I will bring our children to the temple to obtain Lord Muruga's blessings and pray for the family's good health and prosperity.
"From young, both of us exposed our children to religion. I hope they continue their spiritual growth when they become adults," he said.
In Johor Baru, about 3,000 people joined a 6km procession of devotees carrying kavadi and other offerings, as it passed three temples in the downtown area.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the recent festivals of Chinese New Year, Maulidur Rasul and Thaipusam demonstrated Malaysia's vibrancy when it came to tolerance among different religions and cultures.
"As Malaysians, we believe in God. We believe in religion, and it is an accepted norm for us," he said at a Thaipusam event at the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani temple.
At the same function, Ghani announced a RM500,000 contribution to the temple for its consecration plans and its proposed new multipurpose hall.
The state government was also contributing another RM100,000 as an annual grant for the temple to organise various programmes for the youth.
Ghani also echoed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's Thaipusam message for the Hindu community to trust the government.
"Give your trust to the prime minister to continue leading the country. I know Datuk Seri Najib and of his plans and awareness about protecting the interests of the community."
In Kuantan, more than 5,000 people joined a 5km procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Kemunting to the Sri Sithi Vinayagar temple in Jalan Bukit Ubi.
Among them were some 90 devotees who fulfilled their vows by carrying kavadi and paal kudam. The devotees later joined the prayers at the temple before lunch was served at 12.30pm.
The temple took on a carnival-like atmosphere, with stalls selling traditional Indian food and drinks, framed copper images of Hindu deities and colourful flowers. Additional reporting by Adib Povera, G. Surach, Predeep Nambiar, Kalaavani Karupiah, Phuah Ken Lin, Fahirul N. Ramli, D. Kanyakumari and Nicholas Cheng
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