THE 237th annual Thaipusam celebration in Penang was held on a grand scale this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended the Hindu community for maintaining the traditional festival for over two centuries.
“This is an extraordinary achievement.
“Imagine the generations that have inherited this religious practice today.
“And of course, this year’s celebration, unlike any other, is a special one after Penang came through muted celebrations in the previous years due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Here’s to wishing all our Hindu friends a blessed and happy Thaipusam.
“Have a safe and healthy celebration while fulfilling your respective vows,” Chow said in his speech during his visit to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hilltop) today.
In his speech, Chow also announced an allocation of RM200,000 for the temple in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival this year.
Meanwhile, temple chairman Datuk Seri P. Kuvenaraju thanked the enforcement bodies, volunteers and his temple committee members for working very hard to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
“Without the help of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) staff, PDRM and Rela who have been manning the streets, chariots and crowd, this would not have been possible,” he said.
On another matter, Kuvenaraju spoke about a proposed multipurpose hall to be built at the temple for the devotees to take part in social and cultural activities.
“We sincerely hope the Penang government will be able to provide some financial assistance to help us materialise this project,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who was present earlier, said the need for a funicular railway at the lower part of the Hilltop temple was important to transport senior citizens to the Hilltop temple.
“We also hope to materialise another idea which is to build a road leading to the Hilltop temple to accommodate those who wish to travel up to the temple via their own transport,” Dr Ramasamy said in his speech.
Meanwhile, according to the annual tradition, the golden and silver chariots are currently placed at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hilltop) and the Nattukkottai Chettiars Temple in Waterfall Road respectively.
The gold and silver chariots will then return to the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Queen Street, and the Kovil Veedu Temple in Penang Street respectively tomorrow.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud