DEVOTEES will be allowed to carry the kavadi for Thaipusam at the Batu Caves temple from tomorrow onwards.

A temple spokesman who wished to remain anonymous told The Malaysian Insight that the devotees will be allowed to carry kavadi until the end of the month at the temple.

“Kavadi during Thaipusam was previously banned due to standard operating procedure (SOP), hence why we are allowing them to carry it now,” the spokesman said.

The government had barred kavadi for Thaipusam this year for fear of Covid-19 infections. Devotees were allowed to carry palkudam (milk pots), but with some restrictions.

Stalls were also prohibited on Tuesday. A reduced number of devotees were also allowed into the temple.

According to the spokesman, stalls will be set up from this weekend onwards.

“Many of the vendors have already bought the supplies so we are helping to make sure they do not end up making losses.

“We expect about 100 stalls to be set up in the premises,” said the spokesman.

A video that has been going viral showed stalls already being set up at Batu Caves.

Hindus in the country celebrated Thaipusam this year on a moderate scale in adherence to the strict SOP set to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In addition to kavadi being banned, the number of devotees entering the temple grounds was limited to 9,000, while for the 18 sessions of prayer ceremonies, only 500 people are allowed to participate per session.

Thaipusam is observed by Hindus in the month of “Thai” in the Tamil calendar to commemorate the act of Goddess Parvati presenting the vel (lance) to her son Lord Muruga, also known as Lord Subramaniam, as the embodiment of her shakti, or power, to vanquish evil and restore peace. – January 21, 2022.