Malaysia: 2,000 Hindu devotees expected at Hindu festival Thaipusam

KUCHING: Some 2,000 members of the Hindu community are expected to join the Thaipusam celebration centred at the Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple, Jalan Ban Hock here tomorrow.

Temple secretary R Nadison said Thaipusam was not celebrated here for the last two years as the temple was undergoing extensive renovation work, so a bigger crowd is expected this year.

There will be over 20 devotees carrying paal kudams (milk pots) and another 10 carrying the Alavu kavadi.

The Thaipusam procession will begin from the river bank at Satok Bridge (former ferry ramp) at 7.30am.

Devotees will then travel along Jalan Satok to Jalan Kulas, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Budaya, Park Lane, Jalan Tabuan and Jalan Ban Hock, ending at the temple.

Thaipusam, one of the biggest Hindu celebrations in Malaysia, is celebrated annually during the full moon in the 10th month of the Hindu calendar – Thai masam.

It marks the day when Lord Shiva’s son, Murugan, was given a lance to vanquish the demon Soorapadmam.

On this day, devotees carry ornate kavadi as a pledge for answered prayers.

The Kavadi consists of two semicircular pieces of wood, which are bent and attached to a cross structure that can be balanced on the shoulders of the devotees.

It is often decorated with flowers, pictures of the deities and peacock feathers.

Free Indian vegetarian food will be served to all at the temple from 10am.

For details, contact organising chairman V Sahundararaju (013-8014149), the temple priest (082-414051) or Nadison (019-8892793).

Source: The Borneo Post