SOME 1.5 million Hindu devotees and tourists are expected to throng Penang next weekend for the annual Thaipusam celebrations.

Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Temple chairman P. Kuvena Raju said the festival was held on a moderate scale for the last two years to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We expect a big turnout of 1.5 million devotees for the three days as we expect more people will want to fulfil their vows since it was disrupted for the past two years. So it will be a challenge for us to conduct the festival in the best way,” he said.

“This year, Thaipusam falls on the weekend and Monday will be a holiday.

“We do expect devotees from Medan, Jakarta and Singapore to participate in the Penang procession. In the past, we even got devotees from London.”

He said the golden chariot procession will start at 6am on February 4 in Lebuh Queen and is expected to arrive at the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple at midnight at the earliest depending on the traffic congestion.

Kuvena advised the people to act thoughtfully and responsibly so that the celebration could go on well.

“The best is to follow the rules and do not litter. We have provided enough places to dispose of rubbish,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nagarathar Thandayuthapani Temple trustee A. Narayanan said the procession of the silver chariot, bearing the idol of Lord Murugan, will begin at 7am at Nagarathar Kovil Vidu Temple in Lebuh Penang and is expected to reach the Waterfall Temple grounds by 2am.

“This year, we expect a much larger crowd due to Covid-19 pandemic the past two years and we are prepared for it,” he said.

“The chariot is expected to return to the temple in Lebuh Penang on February 6 at around 8am. Everything should go well and we expect the public to cooperate.” – Bernama, January 29, 2023.