Task force: Funfair does not reflect religious celebration

THE Thaipusam Task Force has urged the public to boycott the funfair in Batu Caves during Thaipusam as it did not reflect the religious tone of the festival.

Task force co-founder and chairman Shri Ramaji said the task force was not against the funfair operator but questioned the temple committee over why it was approved in the first place.

“The temple grounds must be a sacred place of worship and not be a place to have parties and activities.

“We hope the public would not visit the funfair during the festival.

“I also hope that foreigners and tourists attending the festival would also show their support in this,” Shri said during a briefing where he spoke to about 100 task force committee members and volunteers at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillay, Kuala Lumpur.

The task force comprises 118 Hindu non-governmental organisations and temples nationwide.

Shri also briefed the committee members on their task to check all stalls during the Thaipusam festival to seize banned items from being brought into temple grounds.

Task force members will also carry placards and pamphlets to educate the people on the do’s and don’ts during the Thaipusam celebration.

Among the items banned are knives, tridents, and parangs as well as durian, chillies and apples that are pierced on the kavadi bearer’s body.

“Kavadis that disrespect and mock the religious festival by having logos of soccer clubs and companies deemed inappropriate are also banned,” he said.