GEORGE TOWN (Jan 9, 2014): More than a million Hindus are expected to pay homage at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Waterfall during the Thaipusam celebrations next Friday.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (HEB) chairman P. Ramasamy said devotees from Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia and locals are expected to participate in the festivities.
Ramasamy, who is also state deputy chief minister II, urged those attending the ceremony to be on their best behaviour.
“The festival is religious in nature. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited during the celebration and stern action will be taken. I am looking forward to a hassle-free festival,” he said at a press conference today accompanied by temple chairman R. Subramaniam.
The highlight of the festival is the procession of a silver chariot bearing Lord Murugan, which starts from the Kovil Veedu Hindu Temple at Lebuh Penang.
As the deity is taken to the hilltop temple, devotees will break coconuts along the chariot’s path as offerings.
Meanwhile, Subramaniam said devotees will have to pay more for coconuts due to a shortage. He said the price has increased to RM2.80 each from between RM1 to RM1.80 in previous years.
Several roads in Penang will be closed for the procession, including Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Jalan Prangin, Jalan C Y Choy, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Utama, Jalan Air Terjun, Jalan Kebun Bunga and Jalan Brown.
State deputy police chief Datuk A Thaiveegan urged those attending not to get drunk, bring sharp weapons and cause untoward incidents.
