Mark this ancient sea ritual in a green way this year

For nature: File photo of a devotee using part of a banana plant stem cut in half to bear the light that will be floated out to sea. — Filepic/The Star

THE Penang state exco for Housing and Environment, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), the Penang State Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) and the management of the Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple in Teluk Bahang, Penang, urge Hindu devotees not to use any kind of synthetic foam material or plastic during the celebration of Masi Maga Theppa Thiruvizha, the floating chariot festival that is marked on Feb 24 in Teluk Bahang.

The annual event beginning at the 117-year-old Singamuga Kaliamman Temple attracts thousands of devotees. A floating chariot, decorated with lights and flowers and carrying temple deities, will be taken on a sea tour during this festival.