JOHOR BARU: Thaipusam preparations are in full swing here, with some temples expected to see thousands of devotees taking part in the processions.
Sri Subramaniar Temple chairman K. Arumugan said the arrangements began on Jan 23 with devotees making their way to the temple for prayers every morning and evening.
“We have about 30 volunteers helping out to prepare for Thaipusam this year, including six cooks who will be laying out vegetarian food for more than 4,000 people.
“The cooks will also be on standby on the day itself in case there is a need to have more food, as we expect the number of devotees taking part in the celebration to go as high as 6,000,” he said when met at the temple here in Tampoi.
Apart from the main 5km procession tomorrow evening, he said devotees will be carrying paal kudam (milk pots) around the temple at about 5am.
“After that, some devotees will also be taking part in another 3km procession between the temple and Sungai Skudai near the marine police jetty,” he added.
He said the 5km chariot procession will start at 8pm.
“The devotees will be in the Tampoi area before returning here by around 11pm,” he said.
Arumugan also said the chariot procession is expected to see 500 devotees carrying the paal kudam and about 50 kavadi bearers.
“Throughout the day, we will also be providing free medical check-ups and health talks at booths around our temple,” he added.
In Skudai, Arulmigu Sri Bala Subramaniar Temple chairman Datuk KS Balakrishnan said they expect participation from over 20,000 people.
“Last year, we had 10,000 people taking part in the celebration, including the procession. We believe the number will double this year.
“The chariot procession is about 10km in the Skudai area, including another temple. This will take place between 6pm and midnight,” he said.
The temple is also expecting to see 7,000 people carrying the paal kudam and 50 kavadi bearers.
Johor state unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar is among those expected to attend the event.
In a statement, Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said 17 temples are expected to carry out processions in conjunction with Thaipusam this year.
He said Ops Palu will take place from today until Monday to maintain public safety and order, as well as to ensure the smooth movement of crowds.
“A total of 1,404 policemen, including 155 senior officers, will be deployed for the operation across the state,” he said, adding that this includes traffic control and mobile patrols.
He urged the public to comply with police instructions throughout the celebration, plan their journeys in advance and take care of their personal safety and belongings.
