Golden chariot makes successful trial run

GEORGE TOWN: The RM3mil gol­den Thaipusam chariot successfully completed its first trial run on the streets here in the presence of a large group of devotees keen on seeing it first.

More than 30 devotees pulled the 1.6-tonne chariot for 3km, the heavy structure rolling along rubberised golden wheels.

On Thaipusam eve, the chariot will carry the Vel of Muruga (hea­venly spear), a 0.9m-long consecra­ted artefact made of gold that was recently completed by goldsmiths in India.

For the trial run at about noon yesterday, the chariot carried a golden pot of holy water.

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple chairman R. Subra­maniam said a two-hour delay occurred as the golden chariot was loaded onto a trailer.

“We needed more time to clamp down the chariot securely so that no untoward incident happens,” he said. “It is now ready for its maiden procession.”

The chariot is operated by the state government’s Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB). It is widely expected to “compete” for attention with the Nattukottai Chettiars’ traditional silver Thaipusam chariot that was used for the past 126 years.

While the golden chariot will bear the Vel, the silver one will continue to carry an 1854 consecrated statue of the Hindu god Muruga.

Annually, devotees offer the silver chariot trays laden with money, gold jewellery, silk, fruits and flo­wers – collected by the chettiars.

This is the first time two Thaipusam chariots will make their processions in Penang.

PHEB chairman Dr P. Ramasa­­my, who also pulled the chariot, said yesterday’s crowd proved that there was good public support for the golden chariot.

“It’s a chariot for all and everyone is eager to witness its procession,” Dr Ramasamy, who is also Deputy Chief Minister II, said.

The chariot went along Jalan Kebun Bunga, Lorong Air Terjun, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Residensi and Jalan Utama before returning to the temple.

On Wednesday, it will leave Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street at 5am, two hours earlier than the silver chariot, which will depart from the Chettiar-owned Kovil Veedu building in Penang Street at 7am on Feb 8. -Star