PUTRAJAYA should revise the standard operating procedures for Thaipusam, said Sri Maha Mariamman Temple chairman R. Nadarajah.

He told The Malaysian Insight that the government is making a fuss about a celebration celebrated once a year.

“They (the government) said below-18s are not allowed in (temple compounds), but how do they expect parents to leave children behind for the biggest festival celebrated by Hindus?”

He said the request was sent to the government on January 12, but he has yet to receive any response.

Nadarajah hopes the National Security Council (NSC) will address the request soon, as devotees are expected to visit Batu Caves from Monday.

Thaipusam falls on Tuesday.

These are the changes to be considered by Putrajaya:

- Operating hours. The temple should be allowed to open for 24 hours from Thaipusam Eve. Currently, it is allowed to open only between 5am and 11pm;

- An additional person to accompany paal kudam (milk pot) bearers, as some are old and require assistance; and

- Below-18s should be allowed to take part in prayers.

Nadarajah said more than 90,000 devotees have registered to attend prayers at the temple as of this morning, adding that it will be impossible to cater to all with the current SOP.

The temple management is facing a hard time due to the limit on attendance and prayer hours, he added.

“As for children, parents have made vows to shave their heads bald or carry them in sugar-cane kavadis, which can be fulfilled only with their presence.”

Thaipusam is the biggest festival after Deepavali for Hindus, who gather in the millions for the annual celebration at temples across Malaysia.

Its date is determined by the full moon in the month of Thai in the Hindu calendar – typically January or February. – January 16, 2022.