2-hour return trip of Penang silver chariot ends amid strict SOPs

 

The Penang silver chariot made the return journey to the Kovil Veedu temple without incident early today. (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN: The return journey of the silver chariot ferrying the statue of Lord Murugan from NattukottaI Chettiar temple on Jalan Air Terjun proceeded with strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) without the usual musical accompaniment.

Penang police chief Sahabudin Abd Manan said the chariot, which began its journey at 1am, arrived safely at the Kovil Veedu temple on Lebuh Penang about an hour and 50 minutes later.

“During the return journey, only one stop was made to replace the two bulls towing the chariot, and all went well as the 10 temple officials accompanying the chariot were escorted by police on motorcycles,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Sahabudin said the chariot proceeded on the 6km journey from the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple through Jalan Utama, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Anson, Jalan Burma, Jalan Transfer, Lorong Hutton, Jalan Penang, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Penang before reaching the Kovil Veedu temple.

On arrival, the temple management held a five-minute prayer ceremony before the Lord Murugan statue was brought down and taken into the temple, he added. - FMT