THE Batu Caves Hindu temple committee has hit back at National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique for banning the Thaipusam procession even as football matches in the capital see tens of thousands of fans packing stadiums.

Its chairman R. Nadarajah said that he was shocked to hear about the sudden decision that was announced in Parliament today about the festival in January.

He said, on December 2, a meeting was held on the processions with temple leaders from Penang, Kedah, Perak, Selangor and Johor, together with representatives from the National Security Council (NSC), and the health and unity ministries.

Nadarajah said that during their discussions no decision was reached on the street procession, which usually comes on the eve of Thaipusam when thousands of devotees accompany the chariot bearing the idol of Lord Muruga on its journey to the Sri Subramaniyar temple Batu Caves. The journey begins from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Bandar.

This year, in a compromise, Putrajaya allowed the chariot procession but with strict standard operating procedure due to Covid-19.

Other than temple officials, no one else was allowed to accompany the chariot on its journey.

Thaipusam is the biggest festival for Hindus after Deepavali.

Apart from Batu Caves, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale in Penang.

Nadarajah said the meeting was told the matter would be brought to the NSC to decide.

“And now, we are shocked to find that Halimah had banned the processions. Why must the government stop religious activities? The Hindus are very unhappy,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He pointed out that at the Malaysia Cup final match between Kuala Lumpur FC and Johor Darul Takzim, there were tens of thousands of fans at the stadium.

“This (gathering) they can allow. For Hindus this is the most important religious festival,” he said, pronouncing himself baffled by the banning of the procession despite allowing a large gathering of football fans in a stadium.

Earlier today, Halimah said in Parliament there would be no street processions during Thaipusam and Chingay.

She said the SOP would be announced once they were finalised later this month.

She said that there would also be no Chingay parades during Chinese New Year, which falls on February 12, 2022.

Nadarajah said that during their meeting they had raised the issue of adhering to the SOP to allow for the processions to be held.

He also said those who were carrying the paal kudam (milk pot) and those who had made vows should be allowed to follow the procession.

“We will maintain social distance, ensure all wear face masks, and we will even ask those who want to join the procession to register.

“We (the procession) won’t stop everywhere, only at certain places. We will also advise those who are not part of the profession to not come out.”

Nadarajah said that the group will send a letter to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Halimah on the issue. 

Meanwhile, Hindu Sangam president Mohan Shan, who had also attended the meeting, requested that 50 people be allowed to join the chariot procession.

“This year only 10 people were allowed and it was not enough. We then had to request help from the police.

“We hope the authorities will allow 50 people to follow the chariots as proposed during the meeting.”

Mohan also questioned Halimah’s statement that no street processions would be held during Thaipusam.

“We don’t know whether the issue was brought to NSC to decide?

“We hope to get a clarification from the ministry on what was discussed with NSC on the matter.” – December 7, 2021.