THAIPUSAM celebrations will proceed as usual unless there are new directives from the government concerning the spread of China’s coronavirus, a Kuala Lumpur Sri Maha Mariamman Temple spokesman said.

Siva Kumar G., the temple’s strategic communications director, said schedules for the procession and gathering of devotees will take place as planned.

The temple has yet to receive directives from the government regarding the biggest Hindu festival in Malaysia, which falls on February 8 this year.

An estimated 1.6 million people attended Thaipusam celebrations last year.

“As of now, everything is still on.

“Let us cross the bridge when we get to it, and the temple chairman will make an announcement.

“We will be guided by whatever decision the government makes. We will not compromise on health issues,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Siva Kumar said it is still early to decide and that the temple will work closely with the government to adhere to health related directives.

Malaysia today confirmed its eighth coronavirus patient. All of them are Chinese nationals and are warded in isolation at hospitals across the country.

Yesterday, deputy prime minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Putrajaya would not restrict festivals or conventions, including Thaipusam, despite the virus outbreak from Wuhan.

Wan Azizah said there was no directive from the World Health Organisation to restrict large gatherings of people.

Thaipusam commemorates the act of Goddess Parvati giving her son Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Subramaniam, a lance to vanquish evil and restore peace.

It is marked with a chariot procession bearing the idol of Lord Muruga, which will begin on February 6.

The chariot will begin its journey from Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Tun HS Lee at 10pm and is expected to reach Batu Caves at around 3pm on February 7.

The return journey is on February 9 at 4pm and is expected to arrive at Sri Maha Mariamman temple at around 3pm, February 10.

On February 8, thousands of devotees are expected at the Batu Caves temple carrying kavadi and making offerings. – January 30, 2020.