THE Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) is sticking to its decision on agreeing to the cancellation of Thaipusam celebration and chariot procession in the state for the safety of public health.
This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy after the Chettiars had sent in a letter to the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday requesting the state government to allow the procession of the silver chariot.
Ramasamy said the Chettiars’ appeal would be deliberated by the state executive council meeting tomorrow.
The Nattukottai Chettiars, or more commonly known as Chettiars, run the procession for silver chariot annually during Thaipusam festival while PHEB, which is headed by Ramasamy, is in charge of the golden chariot.
“Following the approval given for the chariot procession in Batu Caves temple by the National Security Council (NSC), the Chettiars have now appealed to the Chief Minister to allow the procession of the silver chariot.
“The decision to call off the Thaipusam festival and the chariot processions involving both the silver and golden chariots was agreed upon by the Chettiars’ representative at a meeting held earlier but now they are requesting for the procession.
“We have to be responsible and cannot make ‘popular decisions’ just to please some groups of people as the Covid-19 pandemic is not something that can be taken lightly,” said Ramasamy at a press conference held today.
Ramasamy said Penang was the first state to announce the cancellation of Thaipusam celebration as a precautionary measure to fight against the pandemic.
“We do not want to cause the emergence of a Thaipusam cluster here, thus the decision was made for the sake of Penangites and Malaysians as a whole,” added Ramasamy.
Meanwhile, Penang Hilltop Temple chairman Datuk R. Subramaniam said the prayers conducted in the temple would be broadcast live on Astro as well as streamed online starting from Jan 27 onwards.
“On top of that, we would be also taking in prayer requests (‘archanai’) from devotees.
They can WhatsApp us at 0143500638/01126523916 their name, and astrology related information such as ‘natchathiram’ and ‘raasi’ as well as attach the payment receipt of RM 10 for the archanai.
“Payment can be made to Committee of Management Waterfall Temple at CIMB 8004080562.
“Those who would like to make donations can do so using the same account,” added Subramaniam.
Devotees can log onto www.waterfallmurugan.com for further updates.
On Jan 8, Ramasamy announced that traditional activities such as the bearing of kavadis and milk pots (paal kudam), food donation (anadhanam), head shaving ceremony, installation of ‘thaneer panthals’ (refreshment stalls) as well as chariot procession would not be allowed following the decision to cancel the festival celebration.
Two temples – Waterfall Hilltop Temple and Nattukottai Chettiar Temple (Jalan Kebun Bunga) – will be conducting prayers to mark the celebration of Thaipusam starting from its eve on Jan 27 till Jan 29.
It was reported that devotees are not allowed to visit the temple during these days.
In the past, Penang Thaipusam was celebrated in a grand manner, attracting thousands of devotees all over Malaysia.
Its highlights included the departure of chariots from their respective temples, the celebration proper and the return of the chariots to their respective temples.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix Chan Kok Kuan