Penang announces a scaled down Thaipusam celebration

GEORGE TOWN: There are more don'ts than dos for Thaipusam this year in Penang.

There will not be kavadis, thaneer panthals (refreshment stalls), breaking of coconuts during chariot procession and shaving of heads during the festival on Jan 18.

Announcing the festivities under the new norm, Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) committee chairman Dr P. Ramasamy said paal kudam (milk pot) carrying was allowed.

"We will only allow 1,000 devotees who are registered to follow the golden chariot procession, and only 500 people into the Sree Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple at any one time," said Ramasamy at a press conference at Komtar on Friday (Jan 7).

He said the proposed measures have been forwarded to the National Security Council (NSC) for approval.

Ramasamy also urged devotees to do a Covid-19 test with a self-test kit before joining the festivities.