Devotees enjoying free refreshments at makeshift stalls set up along Jalan Kebun Bunga during Thaipusam in Penang. — Filepic
DURING the three days of Thaipusam, thaneer panthal (makeshift refreshment) stalls will line the route to temples.
They are usually set up by families, temples and community groups.
These panthals are an integral part of the festival with volunteers ladling out cool water, spiced buttermilk, tender coconut, lime juice and herbal drinks, while others distribute fruits, sweet porridge, curd rice and simple vegetarian fare.
From 2023, the Go Green concept was initiated during the festival with most panthals refraining from using polystyrene cups and containers, and also reducing food wastage.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer said there would be a total of 175 thaneer panthal stalls this year providing free refreshments, up from 155 the previous year.
He urged stall operators to adhere strictly to regulations, including no music after 11pm on the main day and a ban on alcohol, firecrackers and fireworks.
Rayer said PHEB had also introduced a permit system for “Ratham Kavadi”, large, cart‑like kavadis traditionally pulled by groups of devotees.
He said the move was meant to stagger arrival times and prevent congestion that had occurred in past celebrations, especially during peak evening hours.
“We are trying to ensure that they do not arrive at the same time,” said Rayer, explaining that the permit system would help ease movement and reduce gridlock.
He said Penang was set to welcome over a million visitors for the festival, as this year’s celebrations fall over a long weekend, from Jan 31 to Feb 2.
A rise in tourists from India is also expected following the reinstatement of direct Chennai-Penang flights.
Wheelchair-bound S. Purushotaman being carried into the Waterfall Hilltop Temple by volunteers after he was ferried up the hill in a 4WD vehicle. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
To ensure all devotees can safely perform their rituals, Rayer said PHEB would provide special transport services for the elderly and disabled to Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (also known as Waterfall Hilltop Temple) and Nagarathar Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, both in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
“We encourage senior citizens, persons with disabilities and the chronically ill to carry out their vows earlier so they can worship in a less crowded and comfortable environment.”
To prepare for any emergencies, a network of ambulances, medical personnel as well as fire and rescue teams will be strategically stationed near the temples.
A treatment camp will also be set up to support devotees making the steep climb up the 513 steps leading to the hilltop shrines.
On the possibility of having a motorised lift or people-mover system, Rayer said Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire for the Penang Hill cable car project, had presented the feasibility study for the project during the state exco meeting earlier this month.
“Three designs of the electrical cable car or lift have been proposed by Hartasuma.
“There was a delay on the feasibility study as the geotechnical tests had to be carried out to study the rocky terrain of the area involved,” he added.
Rayer said the state exco office, PHEB and Hartasuma will deliberate after Thaipusam on the appropriate model to be constructed depending on the cost involved and the condition of the terrain.
“Once the model is finalised, construction will begin.”
Rayer noted that PHEB’s main aim in introducing the system was to make the steep climb easier and more accessible for worshippers of all ages and abilities, visitors and tourists to the temples.
The initiative between Hartasuma and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) agency was announced in February last year.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles have occasionally been made available to those who need help getting to the temples. — By K. KASTURI DEWI
