GOMBAK: With Thaipusam celebration at its peak today, devotees and tourists near and far had gathered at the temple grounds in Batu Caves and soak in the experience amidst the hymns, percussion beats and kavadis.
The festivities, commemorating Lord Muruga at Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, saw a steady stream of devotees and tourists despite the warm sunny weather.
Belgian tourist who wanted to be known only as Armaud, said he had seen the festivities in documentaries but felt that he wanted to feel the surreal experience himself.
"And since I am currently studying in Japan, it was a sign for me to come here and experience it in person," he said.
Armaud said despite the crowd being larger than what he had expected, he managed to climb up the steps heading into the temple.
"I arrived at 9am, I saw the crowd was huge but nevertheless I managed to climb up the steps, taking me around two hours to reach the top."
Meanwhile, Miriam Benjamin and Sonia from the United States had spent their last day in the country visiting the festivities here.
The duo, citing their first time being in Malaysia, was elated to see how the diversity among the religions and cultures of the country was celebrated on a large scale.
"We only saw pictures of the festival and thought it's an amazing experience to come and visit here.
"It was an eventful day indeed. It was something that we have never seen before, there's nothing back in the US like this," they said.
They said they had woken up as early as 4.45am today to witness the festivities.
They too were among the many who scaled the steps of Batu Caves today.
Meanwhile, it was a family affair for R.Sukumaran as it was the first time he brought his children to the temple.
"It was their first time here, they wanted to carry the 'kavadi' but I let them try with the 'paal kudam' first.
"Perhaps they will carry the kavadi during next year's Thaipusam celebration," he said.
The family of four had earlier travelled from Tanjung Malim for the festivities.
"Despite departing very early today, all were in good spirits," he said.
It is expected that up to two million people will throng the Batu Caves temple for this year's celebration.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan had earlier said 1,600 police officers from the state and other states have been assigned to ensure the safety and smooth traffic flow of visitors heading to Batu Caves during the Thaipusam celebration for Ops Palu 2024.
Thaipusam marks the day when, according to Hindu belief, the goddess Parvathi bestowed Lord Muruga with a 'vel' (spear) to vanquish evil.