KUALA LUMPUR – Every Thaipusam, Hindu devotees prepare themselves to celebrate the festival that marks the triumph of Lord Muruga over the evil demon Surapadman.
To celebrate this victory, they accompany a chariot bearing the idol of Muruga and march in a nearly 24-hour procession from one temple to another to commemorate his triumphant return from battle.
In the city centre, this march proceeds from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun HS Lee to the temple in Batu Caves. The chariot will pass through several areas in the city, and this year, more than 20 roads in the capital have been closed since last night (January 23) for up to three days to facilitate the march and its return journey.
By this evening, the chariot is expected to arrive at Batu Caves, ahead of the main Thaipusam celebration tomorrow.
Thaipusam falls on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, and coincides with the rising of the Pusam star in Tamil astrology. That’s how the festival came to be named Thaipusam.
The festival includes ritualistic practices of Kavadi Aattam, a ceremonial act of sacrifice carrying a physical burden as a means of balancing a spiritual debt. – January 24, 2024
