A NEW golden chariot, specially made in Tamil Nadu, India, made its maiden journey in Penang on Thaipusam eve.
A large crowd of Hindu devotees thronged the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street as early as 5am today, waiting for the departure of the golden chariot to the Waterfall Hilltop Murugan Temple.
The 6.71m tall new golden chariot, which was carrying a golden ‘Vel’ (spear), started its journey at 6am and was pulled by the devotees.
The chariot procession was led by the Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who was seen pulling it together with other devotees.
He had said that the golden chariot used for last year’s Thaipusam would be used within the hilltop temple compounds. It stands at 5.9m tall.
The bigger golden chariot has movable wheels attached to it and was pulled by devotees but a tug machine would be used if needed.
This year’s Thaipusam celebration and Chap Goh Mei, the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year, coincided with each other tomorrow. The Chap Goh Mei is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
These two celebrations are expected to attract over 1.3 million people to Penang.
The golden chariot procession would pass Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Jalan Prangin, Jalan CY Choy, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Utama and is estimated to reach the hilltop temple at 1am.
For its return journey, the procession would start on Feb 9 at 6pm. The route involves Lorong Air Terjun, Jalan Gotlieb (U turn), Jalan Rajah, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Anson, Jalan Burma, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Sri Bahari, Jalan Penang, Campbell Street, Cintra Street, Chulia Street, Pitt Street, Bishop Street, Penang Street, Chulia Street, King Street, China Street, Beach Street and Market Street. The procession is estimated to reach Queen Street temple on Feb 10 (7am).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng