Devotees break coconuts and offer flowers as chariot moves on

GEORGE TOWN: Many streets here were littered with smashed coconuts as thousands of devotees gathered along the route of the silver chariot procession to fulfil their vows during the annual Thaipusam celebration.

Watched by tourists, the devotees also offered flowers, perfumed joss sticks, fruits and other items to Lord Muruga as the chariot bearing the deity's image inched its way along crowded streets.