Thousands of Hindus join Thaipusam procession, lively atmosphere in city centre
KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Hindus carrying ‘archenai’, trays filled with coconuts, money, fruits and flowers, flooded the city centre last night to join the silver chariot procession in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration.
The procession started from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun HS Lee towards the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, near here.
The silver chariot procession, which began at around 9pm, carried a statue of Lord Murugan and was accompanied by the sounds of traditional Indian musical instruments, including the ‘mridangam’ and ‘natheswaran’, as well as by devotees carrying ‘paal kudam’ and various religious performances.
A Bernama survey found that the atmosphere along the parade route was lively and controlled with the presence of members of the Royal Malaysian Police Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and volunteers on duty to control security and traffic.
Apart from that, the ‘thaneer panthal’ tents which provided free food and drinks to visitors were also an attraction that further enlivened the atmosphere last night.
Sharing her experience, devotee K. Vishalini, 29, said joining the procession from where it started was very meaningful.
“When you come here for Thaipusam, it’s not just about the prayers, but also the feeling and the atmosphere. This is where the journey begins. When we first saw Lord Murugan on the chariot at the starting point, we felt truly blessed. This is also where the people gather and the excitement begins,” he said.
He said his family plans to continue following the parade.
“That’s why we came tonight, and we’ll come back tomorrow morning. We followed the carriage route where it was at the time, and from there we continued on to Batu Caves. Some people started their journey from here, like my brother-in-law,” he said.
Vishalini also emphasized that Thaipusam symbolizes unity and togetherness beyond personal vows.
“Thaipusam is not just about prayer, it is also about unity. My brother-in-law, for example, completed the ‘paal kudam’ vow last week. Tonight, he walks alongside the chariot as a form of devotion, following it wherever it goes.
“Along the way, you can see canopies, music, dance and festivities. It feels like we are welcoming and walking with Lord Murugan. That’s why we want to be part of this procession,” he said.
Her husband S. Suria Kumar, 30, said the significance of the location was its function as the starting point of the sacred journey.
“We came today because this is the place where Lord Murugan was taken out of the temple and placed on a chariot. Starting from here, everyone moves together towards Batu Caves and it is very beautiful to witness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Head ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said so far traffic has been running smoothly with the chariot procession which started at 9pm last night and is expected to arrive in Batu Caves around early this morning.
He said 12 road intersections around the capital were closed and diverted in stages to make way for the chariot procession.
— BERNAMA
