GEORGE TOWN: With about 500 small milk pots suspended from hooks pierced into his body, A. Suresh was among hundreds of devotees seeking blessings and giving thanks to Lord Muruga during Thaipusam here.
Accompanied by family members, including his wife, J. Kastury, 36, the 38-year-old walked barefoot for 4km from Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple in Lorong Kulit to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple, before ascending over 500 steps to offer prayers.
Married for five years, Suresh and Kastury said that they hoped to be blessed with a child.
Devotee Tan Zi Ming, 23, was spotted with dozens of hooks embedded across his back and a metal skewer through his cheeks.
The noodle seller said this was his third year participating in the annual ritual.
“I am doing this for good health and protection for my family and the people I care about,” he said.
Tan added that his devotion was deeply meaningful.
“When you focus on the prayers and the purpose, the pain fades. It reminds me to stay humble and thankful for what I have,” he said.
During his visit to the festival, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple would be allocated RM240,000 to organise Thaipusam celebrations in Penang.
He also said the state government would continue to provide the annual RM2mil grant to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board.
“The annual celebration and the thaneer panthal (tent stations) along Jalan Utama to Jalan Kebun Bunga reflected strong community participation and also helped spur local economic activity.”
Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Steven Sim, who was also present, announced allocations totalling RM150,000 for two temples in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
He said RM100,000 was given to Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, while a further RM50,000 was given to the nearby Ayira Vaisiyar Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
Although a Hindu festival, he said it reflected the true spirit of Malaysia, where people of all races and faiths come together to serve, support and celebrate.
