THE sound of lively ‘urumi melam’, the parade of ‘alagu kavadi’ and devotees clad in traditional attire mark the colourful celebration of Thaipusam in Penang.
Joining in the merriment were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state executive council members, and state assemblymen.
The entourage took part in the high tea session held at the Waterfall Hilltop Temple (foothill) today.
Chow said: “The Waterfall Hilltop Temple is known as the largest Murugan Temple out of India, and is one of the most sought after destinations for religious pilgrimage for the Hindus.
“The Penang government will allocate RM200,000 for this temple, also known as the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam, and I hope that the contribution can ensure a smooth celebration.
“The state government has also increased the annual allocation for Tamil schools from RM1.75 million to RM2 million.
“We have also increased the allocation for Tamil kindergartens from RM100,000 to RM150,000.
“The Tamil Education Special Fund (Tabung Khas Pendidikan Tamil) allocation has also been increased from RM100,000 to RM150,000,” he said in his speech during the high tea session.
The high tea session was jointly organised by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) and the Waterfall Hilltop Temple committee.
Dr Ramasamy said PHEB and the Waterfall Hilltop Temple were mulling over the suggestion to build a monorail or tram up the hill, from the foothill to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
“PHEB has also contributed RM1 million to build the Thanneermalai Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple, and it was opened in June last year.
“Devotees of Lord Ayyapan fulfilled their vows (Irumudi Kannikkai) at the Thanneermalai Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple recently. From this year onwards Waterfall Hilltop Temple and Thanneermalai Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple will serve as the major locations for devotees in the northern region to fulfil their vows to both Lord Murugan and Lord Ayyapan,” Dr Ramasamy who is also the PHEB chairman, said.
After the high tea session, Chow and his comrades took a stroll along Jalan Air Terjun. They visited Ayiravaisyar Sri Meenatchi Sundareswarar Temple and Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, also located in Jalan Air Terjun.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian