By Yasmin Ramlan
THE annual Thaipusam celebration features a chariot procession offering Hindu devotees an opportunity to express their unwavering devotion to Lord Murugan, the warrior god.
The procession includes pulling the chariot through the streets, where the metaphoric journey is often regarded as a spiritual passage that devotees undertake in their quest for purification and self-realisation.
Thousands of Hindus from all across Malaysia come together to celebrate the festival, which falls during a full moon in the tenth month in the Tamil calendar, known as Thai.
Since only some people can personally show their devotion at the temple during Thaipusam, the procession is an important means of bringing divine blessings to the devotees, said Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) former president Datuk RS Mohan Shan.
“Hindus believe the god would appear to all of their devotees once a year to provide blessings. That is the fundamental significance behind the chariot procession.
“As going to the temple is not possible for everyone, the procession is a means by which the devotees receive God’s blessings,” he told Selangor Journal.
Mohan said the festival holds significant value to the Hindu community in Malaysia and is celebrated on a grand scale in places like Kuala Lumpur, Penang; Sungai Petani, Kedah, and in Ipoh, Perak.
“In Kuala Lumpur, worshippers travel one day earlier from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple along Jalan Tun HS Lee to the Batu Caves (Sri Subramaniar Swamy) Temple.
“The same goes for other places like Penang. It is not just a physical journey but one with deep, symbolic meaning. It represents the devotees’ commitment, faith, and willingness to make sacrifices,” he said.
Milk Pots of Devotion
The procession in Kuala Lumpur began at 9pm yesterday, ahead of the Thaipusam celebration tomorrow. The procession will continue until the afternoon or evening of the following day, covering a distance of around 12 kilometres.
The celebration includes carrying ‘kavadis’: elaborate structures adorned with decorations and flowers. Some devotees would also have their skin pierced with metal skewers.
Dressed in vibrant yellow garments, the devotees would usually arrive one week before the festival to make vows and pray to Lord Murugan.
Mohan said they would often hold prayer sessions and practise a strict vegetarian diet for several weeks.
In Kuala Lumpur, worshippers would walk barefoot up 272 steps to reach the Batu Caves temple. They also carry ‘paal kodam’ or milk pots on their head as an offering to Lord Murugan.
Every year, the festivities would attract not just Hindus but Malaysians of other faiths and tourists from abroad. Approximately 100,000 people will travel to Kuala Lumpur just to visit the Batu Caves.
“It is an enjoyable moment to follow the chariot. It takes time; it takes a whole night. Most of the people who carry milk pots and follow the chariot will be reaching the next day, in the afternoon or evening.
“It shows how the worshippers devote themselves to God. That is the main thing. There are also some followers singing devotional songs. From my personal experience, that is very enjoyable,” he said.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
According to Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah, the 21-foot tall and five-tonne chariot, which will venture to the largest temple in Selangor, was prepped for the procession ahead of Thaipusam.
He said the preparations, which included cleaning, rewiring, polishing, and greasing the chariot, took over a month and involved a crew of 10 people.
“We are expecting over 123,000 people to be walking along the road, and it increases yearly,” Nadarajah said at his office in Batu Caves.
Forces, including police personnel from Dang Wangi, Sentul, and Gombak, and Volunteers Corps Department (Rela) members, would be present to guarantee the worshippers’ and tourists’ security.
He added that only traditional music is allowed at the temple’s main entrance.
“We have prohibited the use of bongo drums. I have already listed the do’s and don’ts, but we can only make limitations at the main gate.
“It is also important to note that liquor and cigars are strictly prohibited within the temple grounds,” Nadarajah said.
Backbone of the Event
Mohan said nationwide, over a thousand volunteers will be guaranteeing the safety of all involved and ensuring a seamless experience.
Making note of the potential disruptions that may arise, he highlighted the crucial presence of dedicated volunteers like Hindu Sangam members.
“Volunteers are indispensable for Thaipusam. Relying solely on temple committees is not enough. Our volunteers form the backbone of the event, ensuring order and security.
“Sometimes unpleasant things will occur, like people causing trouble to the devotees and the procession. But the temples have their own people, their own volunteers. The Hindu Sangam also has its own task force,” he said.
Mohan said there will also be volunteers tasked to provide food and free meals to devotees, a selfless act known as annadhanam.
It is highly charitable and one that speaks of true devotion, he added.
