A million turn up for Thaipusam at Batu Caves

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GOMBAK: Despite the scorching sun, more than a million people have thronged the temple in Batu Caves since Saturday to celebrate Thaipusam.

Thousands of devotees carried brightly-decorated ornate frames known as kavadi, some decorated with peacock feathers and garlands. Others carried milk pots.

The rituals were performed as acts of penance and to offer thanks to Lord Muruga, to fulfil vows and to repent for past sins.

Chants of “Vel! Vel!” and the rhythm of traditional drums followed the kavadi bearers.

The temple took a carnival-like atmosphere with stalls selling traditional Indian food and drinks, framed copper images of Hindu deities, religious literature and music discs.

Thaipusam marks the birth of Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The festival also marked an occasion when Parvati gave Muruga a lance so that he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.

Sri Mahamariamman Devasthanam Temple chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said many people took advantage of Thaipusam falling on a Sunday to visit the temple.

“In previous years, Thaipusam fell on a weekday ,” he said.

The National Blood Bank and the Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor organised blood donation and organ pledging campaigns.

South African Sonja Gay, 47, and her husband Patrick Gay, 48, who were at the temple grounds, were amazed at the festival.

“This is so fascinating and we’ve never seen anything like it before! We plan to learn more about Thaipusam,” said Sonja, who blended in with the crowd in her Punjabi suit.

Patrick, who has been to India, said celebrations in Malaysia were grander than in India.

Oh Jun, 40, from Korea, did not mind climbing up the 272 steps to the temple.

“I was told there is a very sacred place up there and I want to see for myself why so many people brave the heat to climb up,” sai d Oh Jun.

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