Hindus mark annual festival

Chariot draw: A large crowd turning up for the annual Chitraparuvam chariot processionfrom Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Penang last evening.

PENANG: More than 1,000 Hindu devotees thronged the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen here to take part in a chariot procession in conjunction with the annual Chitrapournami (The First Full Moon of the Hindu New Year) festival. 

The chariot bearing the Lord Murugan statue left the temple at about 6.30pm and proceeded to the hilltop temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.  

The public holiday yesterday attracted a large crowd, including people from northern states and foreign tourists. 

The Lord Murugan statue will remain at the hill top temple until 6pm tomorrow before its return journey to Lebuh Queen.  

Devotees will also carry kavadi from several Hindu temples to the hilltop temple today in conjunction with the festival.