THE authorities will announce the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) for Thaipusam in early January, said the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS).

Its president, R.S. Mohan Shan, told The Malaysian Insight that they have had a couple of sessions with the authorities and are still working out a stringent SOP.

The National Security Council (NSC) will issue the final and approved SOP.

“We have had two meeting sessions with the relevant authorities, including the NSC and the National Unity Ministry.

“We presented our proposed SOP to them but we didn’t get complete approval as the celebration involves a huge crowd.

“So, the NSC asked us to refine our proposed SOP and we’ll be meeting them soon to finalise it, and we’re expecting to have it by early January,” said Mohan Shan.

Thaipusam, devoted to Lord Murugan, is the biggest festival for Hindus after Deepavali. Millions of Hindus gather for the annual celebration at various temples across Malaysia, the most famous of which is Batu Caves in Selangor.

The date of the festival is determined by the full moon in the month of Thai in the Hindu calendar, which is typically in January or February.

Next year, Thaipusam falls on January 28.

Singapore has announced its SOP for the celebration, saying that Thaipusam next year will proceed but with certain restrictions.

On the island-state, among the key changes next year include banning the foot procession between Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple on Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani temple on Tank Road.

Devotees are also not allowed to carry any kavadi.

When asked if Malaysia would follow Singapore’s move by issuing early SOP and make similar restrictions for the celebration, Mohan Shan said everything would be taken into consideration but they would not rush to make a decision.

Safety and welfare of the public must be given top priority when making decisions, he said.

“When we issue the SOP, we can’t rush but have to deliberately consider every aspect, with top priority given to health as the Covid-19 pandemic still exists.

“Thaipusam is celebrated on a grand scale in our country and usually involves a mass number of people.

“So, unlike Singapore, we might allow kavadi and palkudam (milk pots) but the number of people within the temple premises or grounds at a time might be reduced.”

Fasting starts

In Penang, the Thaipusam celebration is also a grand affair, as the state would start off the celebrations with dual (silver and golden) chariot processions bearing Lord Muruga.

Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) chairman P. Ramasamy said they have also had a meeting recently with the state authorities and temple representatives, adding they would wait for the final SOP from the NSC.

“We held a meeting to discuss some details on the upcoming Thaipusam 2021.

The state health authorities briefed the meeting on the current situation of the Covid-19, he said while police, immigration and the Nattukottai Chettiars shared their views.

“At the end of the meeting, it was decided that we wait for the announcement of the NSC before making a final decision.”

Ramasamy said they don’t want to jump the gun and issue an early SOP for the state, fearing that it might contradict with the NSC’s SOP.

A spokesman from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple Devasthanam, which also oversees the Batu Caves temple, said they, too, will wait for the NSC to issue the final SOP.

However, the official, who wanted to remain anonymous, called on the NSC to expedite the issuance of SOP so that those preparing to fulfil their vows for Thaipusam can make an early decision.

“The 48-day fasting and cleansing period for Thaipusam has started.

“So, if possible, the NSC must consider all this and issue the SOP for the celebration quickly, so that devotees can make a decision.

“If they were to issue the SOPs in January, then it might be too late for some to halt their preparations. Even now it is late,” he said.

The first day of the Thaipusam fast was December 11.

This year, despite the coronavirus outbreak, tens of thousands of devotees thronged the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Batu Caves, Balathan­dayuthapani temple or Waterfall Hill temple in Penang, Sri Subramaniya Swamy temple in Sg Petani and Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Ipoh. – December 22, 2020.