KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Batu Caves for Wednesday’s Thaipusam celebration added excitement to the festive atmosphere of the lively event.
Devotees and tourists gathered to shake hands and take photos with Zahid, who was on his second visit to Batu Caves after becoming the deputy prime minister in 2015.
Looking resplendent in a traditional turquoise Indian kurta, Zahid was welcomed on arrival by Dhevadthanam Sri Maha Mariamman temple chairman Tan Sri R Nadarajah.
He was also greeted by Malaysia’s special envoy to India and South Asia and former minister Tun Dr S Samy Vellu; as well as MIC deputy president Senator Datuk SK Devamany.
The Thaipusam celebration this year is drawing thousands of people from all walks of life to the world-famous site, as in previous years. Thaipusam has been celebrated annually in Malaysia for the past 128 years.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the procession of two chariots from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in the city, to the Sri Subramaniar temple in Batu Caves.
A RM5 million 6.7-metre golden chariot made especially for the "Vinayagar Chathurthi" festival last year is being used for this year’s procession.
The golden chariot carries an idol of Lord Vinayagar, while the silver chariot bears the idols of Lord Muruga and his two consorts, Valli and Theivana.
Meanwhile, in GEORGE TOWN, kavadi-bearing devotees made their way to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple near Jalan Air Terjun to fulfil their vows.
The devotees were seen cleansing themselves and performing special prayers before beginning their 5km journey at 6am from Lorong Kulit here.
Many carried clay or brass pots filled with milk, while others carried colourful kavadi and walked barefoot as they proceeded to the temple at Jalan Air Terjun.
M. Suresh Thiran, 34, who carried a kavadi and had his cheek pierced with a vel, said that he prayed for Penang and Malaysia as a whole to be protected from any natural disaster.
He said that the country, especially Penang, had been stricken by floods last year and he hopes that there will not be any such incident in the future.
"I have my personal vows, but in general, I am praying for the wellbeing of the people and the country. It was sad to see how people struggled during the floods last year.
"I hope we can bounce back from that, and everyone can lead a happy, peaceful life," he said.
A Swedish tourist, Erik Denny, 32 said he was excited when told by his tour guide about the massive Thaipusam celebration.
"I still have no idea how on earth can they stand the pain, it does look painful to me but at the same time very unique.
"I have never seen such a celebration in a huge scale before. I will definitely come back next year with my friends, maybe go to KL (Kuala Lumpur) and visit during the Thaipusam there," he said when met at Lorong Kulit here.
Thaipusam has been celebrated annually in Malaysia for the past 128 years and it has drawn millions of visitors from around the globe to witness the colouful event.
The annual three-day Thaipusam celebration in Penang kicked off Tuesday with two chariot processions, bearing Lord Muruga, making its way to the Jalan Air Terjun temple.
This is the second consecutive year of the dual golden and silver chariot processions.
Both the chariots will make its way back Thursday evening.
Penang police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan said everything went on smoothly today and reminded visitors to be mindful of their valuables.
"It has been a peaceful celebration. We hope to keep it that way."