Journey of devotion ends with fire-walking

Seeking blessings: Devotees praying and giving offerings during the chariot procession at the Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Air Itam. — Photo by ZHAFARAN NASIB

THE Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman temple chariot procession was a grand affair with more than 10,000 devotees thronging the temple in Air Itam, Penang, to witness the annual procession and fire-walking ceremony.

A huge crowd began to gather at the century-old temple as early as 5am for the pooja on Sunday before the idol of Goddess Mariamman was lifted on to the chariot for the procession which started from the temple to Kampung Melayu and Bandar Baru before returning to the temple at 8.30pm.