Devotees breaking coconuts while offering prayers along Jalan Datuk Keramat in George Town, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB, SS KANESAN and IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
A SEA of Hindu devotees clad in traditional yellow attire filled major Lord Muruga temples in the country as they came to pray and fulfil their vows during Thaipusam.
With loud chants of “vel vel vetri vel” (victory) or “vel vel Muruga” (glory unto Muruga) all around them, the devotees walked barefoot in the temple grounds, carrying milk pots or kavadi.
The air at the temples are often lively during this time, with drummers beating on urumi melam (hour-glass-shaped drums), thavil (barrel-shaped drums), jaalra (clash cymbals) and thappu (round drums), creating a festive atmosphere.
Many devotees started performing their vows several days before Thaipusam to avoid the large crowd and traffic congestion.
G. Kalidhas, 45, who has been bearing the kavadi for the past 28 years, pierced his body with 108 seashells near the Muthu Mariamman Temple in Lorong Kulit, Penang.
Kavadi bearers often take centre stage during the celebration, with elaborate structures adorned with peacock feathers and flowers balanced on their shoulders.
Volunteers also helped out by giving out free food and drinks to visitors.
Despite the merciless heat in the later part of the day, many devotees were still seen walking barefoot on the hot tarmac.
The celebration is also a feast for the eyes for local and international tourists alike as they captured photos of devotees and their families on their spiritual journey.
While some visitors joined in the procession, others enjoyed free food and drinks or just watched the crowd.
The celebration continued at night with LED-lit kavadi on display and the continuous stream of devotees bearing milk pots.
Devotees breaking coconuts while offering prayers along Jalan Datuk Keramat in George Town, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB, SS KANESAN and IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
A man washing his daughter’s head during the festival in Batu Caves.
Traditional drummers add an air of festivity during Thaipusam.
A devotee fulfilling her vow as she gets her head shaved.
G. Kalidhas, 45, who has been bearing the kavadi for the past 28 years, pierced his body with 108 seashells near the Muthu Mariamman Temple in Lorong Kulit, Penang.
Devotees preparing to start their journey after completing the piercing process near the Muthu Mariamman Temple in Penang.
Thousands of devotees carrying milk pots on their heads waiting to walk up 272 steps to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.
