All decked out: Hindus carrying kavadis during the Thaipusam procession at Jalan Utama in Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Since last week, businessman Teoh Kheng Tatt has been adhering to a strict vegetarian diet in preparation for a significant event – carrying the kavadi, marking the 10th year he participated in the Thaipusam festival.
The 40-year-old from Butterworth said this year’s kavadi procession coincided with a decade of dedication to his hardware business, and he hoped that his continued involvement in the celebration would bring blessings to both himself and his business.
“I’ve worked tirelessly in my career, and now, the only thing left is to seek divine help to improve both my life and my business,” he added.
On the day of the procession yesterday, Teoh was seen in Lorong Kulit here preparing for the ritual as his friends helped him affix the kavadi to his back and upper body, before heading to the Arulmigu Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
It took him about 90 minutes to reach his destination, a journey marked by determination and spiritual devotion.
For Roti Poh, carrying a kavadi is not just a tradition but an essential act of spiritual cleansing and penance.
The 44-year-old said the ritual goes beyond fulfilling a vow. It is a way to strengthen his faith and deepen his spiritual connection.
“The experience of carrying the kavadi is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding.
“Despite the intense pain and strain, I embrace the challenge as part of my 28-year-old devotion and self-discipline.
“The hardship is part of the journey. Every step I take with the kavadi is a reminder of my faith and gratitude,” he added.
Civil servant Kenn Tan was spotted carrying a paal kudam (milk offering) during the festival.
Dressed in traditional white temple attire and walking barefoot, his face reflected deep concentration and devotion.
“Carrying the paal kudam is a humble way to show my gratitude and seek blessings. It’s not just about fulfilling a vow, but also about staying connected to my faith and culture,” he added.
Among the thousands of devotees, eight-year-old S. Akhilarsh took part in the Thaipusam procession for the first time, carrying a mini kavadi.
“I pray to God so that I can study better and achieve good grades,” he said, adding that he also prayed for the health and well-being of his family.
During the celebration, several “thaneer panthal” (refreshment stalls) along Jalan Utama offered free food and beverages in biodegradable packaging.
One of the stall owners, S. Manogaran, said he began using the environmentally-friendly packaging in 2018 following the encouragement from the state government.
This year, his family prepared 2,000 biodegradable plates and takeaway packages to distribute free food and drinks to devotees and visitors, underscoring their commitment to spirituality and sustainability.
