Hindus celebrate Thaipusam with prayers and splendour

KUALA LUMPUR - Millions of Hindus have begun to gather at various temples nationwide to celebrate Thaipusam, which falls today on the full moon day in the month of “Thai” in the Hindu calendar.

Thaipusam, which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Muruga, is celebrated on a grand scale at the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Selangor, the Balathan­dayuthapani Temple or Waterfall Hill Temple in Penang, the Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Sungai Petani, Kedah, and the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh, Perak, among other places.

Thaipusam, which is the biggest festival for Hindus after Deepavali, usually falls in January or February and is observed as a day of thanksgiving and paying penance for Lord Muruga.

Devotees prepare themselves for the occasion by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time.

Family tradition: Shankar and his family walking out of the temple after fulfilling their vows Wednesday.

Many devotees began paying penance since Sunday, with the carrying of the kavadi (a decorated structure bearing the image of several deities including Lord Muruga) on their shoulders and pal kodum (milk pots), especially at Batu Caves where about 100,000 devotees had thronged the temple.

Devotees and others going to Batu Caves are advised to use public transportation to avoid the anticipated massive traffic congestion. - Star

courtesy of Malaysia Chronicle