Silver Chariot makes 126th annual journey to Waterfall temple in Penang to mark start of festival
GEORGE TOWN: Tens of thousands thronged the main streets of George Town heading towards the Waterfall area to celebrate the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam.
Hordes of local devotees, visitors from other states, and foreign tourists gathered in Lebuh Penang in the early hours of the day to witness the start of the 126th Silver Chariot procession, which signals the commencement of the four-day festival.
The Silver Chariot left the “Koyil Veedu” (Temple Home) in Lebuh Penang about 6am, and ends its 15km-long journey at the Waterfall’s downhill Thandayuthapani Koyil at about midnight.
The two temples are cared for by the Naaddukkoddai Chettiyaar Tamil sub-community.
Thousands of coconuts were smashed by devotees along the chariot route, with several major roads, including parts of Lebuh Chulia, Gat Lebuh Victoria, Jalan CY Choy, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Utama, Jalan Kebun Bunga and Jalan Air Terjun, closed in stages to make way for the procession.
Hundreds of panthals (refreshment tents) have been set up to provide food and drinks to the people attending the festival.
The main celebration will be tomorrow, with thousands carrying kavadis to pay homage to Lord Muruga.
Kavadi bearers would pierce their bodies with hooks and spikes as symbolic sacrifices to fulfill their vows and offer penance to Lord Muruga.
Colourful dancing kavadis can be seen all day and night long parading through the city main streets to reach the Waterfall hilltop temple, Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Koyil.
Thousand of others will make offerings of milk and other items to express their devotion to their favourite deity.
Most Hindus will either fast or go on a vegetarian diet for the duration of the festival.
Thaipusam, celebrated largely by Tamil-speaking Hindus, is the biggest Hindu festival in Penang, and perhaps “the most impressively celebrated religious event” in the state.
According to Tamil Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the day Lord Muruga received his all powerful “Vel”, a sharp edged spear, from his mother, Goddess Parasakti, to battle with a demon king Padma Sooran.
Lord Muruga went on to win the war on the day known to Tamil Hindus as “Soora Samhaaram” (Conquest of Sooran).
According to Tamil Hindu scriptures, Padma Sooran’s brother Idumban Sooran was the first man to bear a kavadi to pay homage, and show his appreciation and gratitude to Lord Muruga for his “Soora Samhaaram.”
Idumban Sooran’s spiritual exploits to shower his love to Lord Muruga has been emulated by Tamil Hindus till the present day.
The chariot will make its overnight return trip from Naaddukkoddai Chettiyaar’s Thandayuthabani Koyil in Waterfall on Monday evening..
It is expected to reach the “Koyil Veedu” in Lebuh Penang early on Tuesday morning, marking the end of the annual celebration. FMT
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