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.
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.