Low, a Buddhist, came with a group of 20 people to join in the prayers and offerings at Lebuh Queen.
FOR Candy Zhang from China, the Thaipusam festival she saw in Penang reflected a true celebration of Malaysian unity, with thousands of devotees and spectators of various races attending the annual chariot procession.
Met along Queen Street as the golden chariot began its journey from Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Zhang said it was her first time seeing a Hindu ceremony of such scale.
She noted similarities between Thaipusam rites and centuries- old worship practices in China’s Fujian (Hokkien) and Chaoshan (Teochew) regions, saying many religious rituals shared common values and expressions.
“It was a truly amazing and mesmerising experience,” said Zhang, who is from Shenzhen.
Devotees took to the streets as early as 5am, carrying offerings as volunteers and temple committees prepared the chariots amid prayers and traditional music.
Devotees making offerings to Lord Muruga on the silver chariot during the procession along Jalan Datuk Keramat.
The golden chariot, carrying the Vel (divine spear), departed the temple at 6am and made its way towards the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (also known as Waterfall Hilltop Temple) along Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Meanwhile, the silver chariot carrying the consecrated statue of Lord Muruga left the Kovil Veedu (Temple House) in Lebuh Penang at about 7am.
Describing the procession as sacred, Zhang said the grandeur of the ritual left a lasting impression on her.
The 30-year-old, who works in new media operations, had been travelling in Penang for more than three weeks.
She first visited the island in 2024 after Malaysia introduced visa-free entry for Chinese nationals and felt her initial three-day stay was too short.
Devotees carrying milk pots to be offered to Lord Muruga.
“So I return this year and will spend more time here,” said Zhang who will be celebrating Chinese New Year back in China.
She described her stay in Penang as comfortable and memorable.
Penangite Benessa Low, 42, said she attended the Thaipusam festival every year with friends and family to offer prayers and seek blessings.
“We come together, friends and siblings, to pray for good health and that everything goes smoothly for us,” she said.
Low, a Buddhist, said about 20 people from her group gathered along Lebuh Queen to accompany the chariots and offer prayers.
The golden chariot carrying the divine spear called ‘Vel’. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
They also made plans to continues their prayers later in the evening at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.
The annual ritual, Low said, had become a meaningful tradition for her group, transcending religious boundaries and strengthening bonds among family and friends.
“Even though I am a Buddhist, Thaipusam carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
“It is about faith, gratitude and unity,” she said.
Dr S. Arravinnath carrying a kavadi for the first time, fulfilling a vow made for his mother’s recovery from illness.
Shirlynn Tan, 38, who attended the procession with her mother, said it was her first experience celebrating Thaipusam.
She said she was awed by the vibrant sights and sounds, describing the procession as overwhelmingly beautiful, with devotees carrying kavadis and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums filling the streets.
“I’ve seen pictures before, but being here in person is completely different.
Zhang taking a selfie with the chariot.
“The devotion and energy are incredible,” she said, adding that she took the opportunity to pray for a better year for her family and friends.
This year, devotees were able to follow both chariots through artificial intelligence-enhanced tracking systems.
People smashing coconuts along the procession route during Thaipusam in Penang.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board developed the system for the golden chariot, while the silver chariot was tracked through a system developed by Penang Waterfall Nattukotai Chettiar Temple.
Both systems showed designated checkpoints and expected stopping points.
