Approximately 1.5 million people are expected to visit Penang next weekend for the annual Thaipusam celebrations after the festival was held on a small and moderate scale for the past 2 years. Those expected to throng the state next weekend include Hindu devotees and tourists from Malaysia and abroad.
As reported by BERNAMA, Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthabani Temple chairman Datuk Seri P. Kuvena Raju said that a big turnout of 1.5 million for the 3 days is expected as most people will want to fulfil their vows since it was disrupted for the past 2 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that it would be a challenge to conduct the festival in the best way.
Kuvena Raju asserted,
“This year, Thaipusam falls on the weekend, while Monday will be a holiday. We do expect devotees from Medan, Jakarta and Singapore to participate in the Penang procession. In the past, we even got devotees from London,”
He added that the golden chariot procession will start as early as 6am on 4 February 2023 at Lebuh Queen and will arrive at the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple at midnight at the earliest depending on the traffic congestion. Hence, the public is advised to act thoughtfully and responsibly so that the celebration could go smoothly.
Meanwhile, Nagarathar Thanduthabani Temple trustee Dr A. Narayanan said the procession of the silver chariot, bearing the idol of Lord Murugan, will begin at 7am at Nagarathar Kovil Vidu Temple, Lebuh Penang. It is expected to reach the Waterfall Temple grounds at around 2am and after the procession, the chariot is expected to return to the temple at Lebuh Penang on 6 February at around 8am.
So, what do you guys think of this year’s Thaipusam celebrations in Penang? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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