Thaipusam Festival Commences at Batu Caves

The ceremony starts in the early hours of the morning when the first batch of devotees of Lord Subrahmanya carrying milk pots leave Sri Srinvasa Perumal Temple for Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, where the milk is offered to the deity of Lord Subrahmanya.

The festival also sees a spectacular four-kilometre procession by devotees from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road to the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple at Keong Siak Road.

Some devotees pierce their tongues with skewers and carry a garlanded wooden arch across their shoulders, while others carry a kavadi (semi circular metal structure decorated with peacock feathers, flowers and palm leaves) walking in procession between the two temples.

“I heard of this festival from a friend and I was curious about the culture and traditions behind this religious celebration,” said Yang.

In PENANG, thousands of devotees and tourists thronged Jalan Utama and Waterfall Road as they made their way up the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple.

Bearing elaborately decorated kavadis and milk pots, the devotees embarked on the spiritual journey with their bodies pierced by hooks and spears. 

This year’s Thaipusam festival, like many others before, also saw devotees carrying pots of milk, kavadis, or with their bodies pierced, making their way up the steps to the temple.

The throbbing chant of ‘Vel, vel, vel’ filled the air as devotees climbed the 272 crowded steps to the cave temple.

Even more stunning was the sight of those bearing huge and elaborate kavadis, walking patiently up to fulfil their vows and show their piety to Lord Muruga.

This year’s Thaipusam was one of the grandest ever, with an estimated 1.3 million visitors and devotees yesterday afternoon.