PETALING JAYA: With normal working process (SOP) in place, devotees as soon as once more thronged Batu Caves in a present of spiritual devotion regardless of a scaled-down Thaipusam celebration.
Clad in saffron and yellow conventional outfits, devotees have been seen finishing up their prayers whereas practising bodily distancing and carrying face masks.
Shouts of “Vel vel vetri” (victorious) have been additionally heard from devotees carrying the paal kodam (milk pots) up the 272 vibrant steps of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
As the day went on, lengthy strains of devotees started to develop from the doorway of the temple to the foot of the steps.
Police and workers members have been on responsibility to oversee and guarantee SOP compliance.
No stalls have been seen as per the SOP requirement set by the National Security Council.
One for the album: Amira determined to spend her day without work on the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Batu Caves to expertise Thaipusam firsthand. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Present on the celebrations have been MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak additionally paying a go to in a while.
Devotees expressed how grateful and relieved they have been to have the chance to rejoice Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
“We weren’t able to make it here last year due to the lockdown, so being able to celebrate and carry a kavadi again makes me very happy.
“It’s also exciting to hear the beat of the urumi and experience the sights and sounds of Thaipusam,” mentioned devotee Francis Arputham, 35, who was there together with his spouse.
Devotee A. Vimal, 25, mentioned she was trying ahead to a livelier celebration subsequent 12 months.
Keeping it clear: A temple administration committee member conducting a sanitisation train each half-hour on the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop temple and its compound in Penang in the course of the Thaipusam celebration. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Another devotee P. Yuvaraj, 38, expressed his gratitude to the authorities for the best way the Thaipusam celebrations have been organised this 12 months.
“Despite a smaller crowd, it does not make the celebration any less special,” he mentioned.
Student R. Navyinthra Seelan, 24, mentioned that to assist hold his household protected in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, he had volunteered to characterize them at this 12 months’s prayers.
“Since older people are at higher risk, my parents decided to stay at home,” added Navyinthra, who arrived at Batu Caves at 6am together with his cousin and a good friend.
Malaysians of various races together with vacationers additionally took the chance to witness the Thaipusam celebrations this 12 months.
Clad in a crimson saree, Amira from Ampang determined to spend her day without work on the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple together with her husband.
Thorough job: Workers sanitising the grounds of the Sri Subramaniar Devasthanam Temple in Batu Berendam, Melaka, in the course of the Thaipusam celebration. — Bernama
The 23-year previous mentioned she needed to expertise the tradition firsthand.
Friends Noor Azizah, 24, and Noor Amirah, 30, who drove from Johor Baru, mentioned they got here to witness the celebrations.
“It’s very colourful and rich in culture,” Noor Azizah mentioned.
International guests additionally didn’t miss the possibility to be a part of the pageant.
Friends Felicity Newland, 27, and Sarah Sousa, 32, from the United Kingdom and Canada respectively, mentioned they have been amazed by the colourful and vibrant pageant.
Sacred pageant: Hindu devotees making the 272-step journey up to the temple at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Clare McCusker, 33, who was final right here in 2019, mentioned regardless of the SOP, the celebrations have been nonetheless a pleasure to see.
“Although it’s not as grand as before, it’s still amazing to see the people coming together to celebrate,” mentioned the worldwide faculty instructor.Thaipusam is well known by Hindus in the course of the tenth month of the Tamil calendar, which is often known as “Thai”.
It is to commemorate Lord Murugan, who obtained the sacred spear from his mom Goddess Parvati to eradicate the demon Soorapadman and restore the individuals’s prosperity and well-being.
by 
