GEORGE TOWN: From the moment six-year-old T. Akshaaraa Sri hoisted the paal (milk) kavadi onto her shoulders, there was no turning back until she reached the temple shrine.
Her father, N. Thorairaj, 38, a businessman, said Akshaaraa and her sister, T. Divya Sri, seven, have been participating in the kavadi procession for the past two years, alongside him and their mother, M. Kogilavani, 39, who works in customer service.
“My wife and I noticed for the past two years that from the moment the kavadi is placed on Akshaaraa’s shoulders, she does not put it down, even to rest, until she climbs all the 513 steps to reach the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.
“She was raring to go from the time she set foot on the first step, and usually she reaches the temple first before any of us,” he said, adding that a relative accompanies Akshaaraa during her climb to ensure her safety.
Kogilavani said she made the vow when Akshaaraa was still in nursery, after her teacher remarked that the child could be a special needs child.
“I knew my daughter was hyperactive, but I didn’t think she was a special child. When I heard this from her teacher, I was shocked and confused. On the spot, I made a vow to Lord Muruga, praying for her to be a normal child,” she said.
The couple, who were joined by their relatives at the temple (also known as Waterfall Hilltop Temple) yesterday, have been carrying the paal kudam (milk pot) for more than 20 years, even before they got married.
Kogilavani said this year, they decided to carry the paal kudam early to avoid the crowd, as last year, they were caught in a near stampede.
“I fainted last year after I got stuck in the crowd and could not breathe.
“So, this year, we decided to fulfil our vows earlier to avoid any mishap,” she said.
T. Abbhinaya, 19, was also among those carrying the paal kudam to fulfil her vows. She was at the temple with her family.
“I vowed to carry the milk pot if I performed well in my SPM and secured a place in the polytechnic.
“I managed to get a place to do IT at the Politeknik Seberang Perai last July, and so, I am here to fulfil my vow,” she said, adding that she always seeks Lord Muruga’s blessings for all her prayers to be answered.
They were among devotees who took part in the early paal kudam procession for Lord Muruga, organised by the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram, Penang Branch, the temple and the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, in conjunction with Thaipusam this year.
Mamandram chairman N. Thanabalan said that this event has been held annually for the past 12 years.
“Our main aim is to facilitate the carrying of paal kudam for devotees early in a more calm and stress-free way so that they can avoid the crowd and the rush on the actual day.
“It is definitely more convenient for young children and senior citizens,” he said, adding that some 100 Mamandram members started their journey to the temple at 7am yesterday.
Mamandram Religious Education Bureau chairman S.V. Manimaran said about 400 copies of the Kanda Sashti Kavacham Parayanam were distributed to devotees at the temple, alongside annathanam (food donation) offerings.
The Mamandram’s other project, the Dharma Vel project, has been held for the past seven years to promote traditional, respectful and free worship practices at the festival.
“We offer free services, such as paal kudam offerings and guidance, to reduce the financial burden on devotees at various locations.
“This project has also helped to reduce rubbish discarded by devotees, as we always aim to have a clean Thaipusam,” he said.
