Thaipusam, minus fanfare

GEORGE TOWN: Strong police presence on the ground ensured a smooth journey of the Thaipusam chariots from the city to the temples in Jalan Kebun Bunga, minus the fanfare.

Thousands of devotees who turned up at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street and along the procession routes to both temples some 6km away were kept in order as enforcement personnel ensured all standard operating procedures (SOPs) were adhered to.

Traffic police also diverted traffic and dispersed the crowd ahead to make way for the golden and silver chariots.

It took only four hours for both chariots to reach their destination, half the time it would usually take in the past.

The golden chariot, which departed from Queen Street at 6.30am, arrived at Arulmigu Sree Ganeshar Temple at about 10.30am. The silver chariot, which left the Kovil Veedu (Temple House) in Penang Street at 7am, arrived at the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga at about 11.30am yesterday.

Several roads, including Jalan Gottlieb, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Utama, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and a section of Jalan Waterfall, were closed to traffic during the procession.

Neither chariot accepted offerings with a minimal number of stops made as agreed.

Devotees in vibrant clothing lined both sides of roads and chanted “vel, vel, vetri (victorious)” or “Vel, Vel Muruga (Glory unto Muruga)” as the chariots passed.

At some sections, traditional drummers beat on urumi melam (hour-glassed shaped drums), thavil (barrel-shaped drums), jaalra (clash cymbals) and thappu (round drums) to accompany devotees as they fulfilled their vows.

Strict SOPs were enforced at both temples, with devotees limited to only 3,000 per day.

They are open from 8am to 11am today and from 8am to 5pm tomorrow.

A total of 1,300 enforcement personnel comprising police, Rela, civil defence and Penang Island City Council are being deployed to ensure SOP compliance during the three-day festival, which runs from yesterday to tomorrow.