This year's Thaipusam celebration in Penang will see the golden and silver chariots departing an hour apart to ensure a more efficient procession. The changes aim to shorten the travel time from 24 hours to around 17 hours for the 9km stretch. Devotees are urged to cooperate with organizers during the coconut-smashing ritual to facilitate a smooth journey for the chariots.
The procession duration of the golden and silver chariots during the Thaipusam celebration in Penang is expected to be significantly shorter this year. Organizers have implemented changes to ensure a smoother journey for both chariots, aiming for a travel time of around 17 hours for the 9km stretch, compared to the 24 hours it took last year.
The key difference lies in the chariots departing an hour apart, unlike last year when they were too close as they approached their respective temples, leading to congestion.This year, the golden chariot will leave the Maha Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen at 6am on February 10th and arrive at the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga before midnight. The 131-year-old silver chariot will embark on its journey from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang at 7am on the same day, expected to reach the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, also located along Jalan Kebun Bunga, before midnight.To facilitate a more efficient procession, devotees are urged to cooperate with organizers and authorities, particularly during the coconut-smashing ritual. R. Arasu, committee chairman of Maha Mariamman Temple, emphasized the importance of breaking coconuts about a kilometer before the chariots reach their designated spots. This will allow city council workers ample time to clear the debris, ensuring a smooth passage for the chariots.The goal is for both chariots to reach their respective temples by midnight on February 10th, the eve of Thaipusam Day, enabling other prayers to proceed punctually. These changes stem from the “united” Thaipusam move last year, where the chariots travelled in close proximity, resulting in a major traffic jam. The golden chariot reached the Hilltop Temple and the silver chariot reached the Waterfall Nattukotai Chettiar Temple at 5am, causing both chariots to remain on the road for almost 24 hours. This prolonged delay fatigued devotees who had to wait several hours to perform their prayers upon the chariots' arrival.Arasu further explained that the committee's 70-member team will manage the golden chariot's journey from Queen Street Temple to the Waterfall Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Murugan Temple as efficiently as possible, without waiting for the silver chariot.The Nattukottai Chettiar Temple welcomed the move, hoping it will alleviate the silver chariot's impeded movement experienced last year due to the golden chariot's frequent halts.Dr A. Narayanan, the temple's senior managing trustee, highlighted that last year, the 'Maha Abishegham Pooja' (main prayers before food is served to devotees) had to be postponed to 4pm on Thaipusam Day because the silver chariot arrived at 5am, leaving insufficient time for the scheduled noon prayers.Narayanan also urged refreshment stall volunteers to cooperate, as the chariots will not be able to stop at every stall. He suggested that a few nearby stall operators could collaborate and offer prayers as the chariots arrive, saving time and ensuring a smoother procession.The silver chariot, constructed in Karakudi, Tamil Nadu, India, arrived in Penang in 1894, bearing the statue of Lord Muruga. The golden chariot, carrying the 'Vel' or divine spear used by Lord Muruga, commenced its inaugural journey in 2017
THAIPUSAM PENANG CHARIOT PROCESSION LORD MURUGA DEVOTEE
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penang's Thaipusam Procession to Feature 131-Year-Old Silver ChariotThe traditional Thaipusam procession in Penang, Malaysia, will be led once again by a century-old silver chariot, symbolizing the rich Hindu tradition passed down through generations. The chariot, built in India and shipped to Penang in 1894, undergoes yearly refurbishing and cleaning. This year's celebration will also feature the procession of a golden chariot carrying Lord Murugan's sacred spear, adding to the vibrancy of the festivities.
Read more »
25 Disabled Devotees 'Climb' to Penang Temple for ThaipusamAn NGO in Malaysia helped 25 disabled devotees fulfill their spiritual needs by carrying them up the 513 steps to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Temple in Penang for Thaipusam. The initiative, led by Dr A. Muraly from Malaysia Tamilan Uthavum Karangkal (MTUK), involved 125 volunteers who took turns carrying the devotees, allowing them to experience the religious significance of the event.
Read more »
Coconut Shortage Threatens Thaipusam Festival in PenangPenang's main coconut supplier, P. Sarasvathy, faces significant financial losses due to a shortage caused by the prolonged rainy season. This shortage threatens the traditional Thaipusam ritual, as Hindu devotees struggle to find coconuts for breaking during the festival on February 11th.
Read more »
Penang Coconut Supplier Faces Financial Loss Due to Shortage Ahead of ThaipusamA coconut supplier in Penang is facing significant financial loss due to an inability to meet the high demand for coconuts during the upcoming Thaipusam festival. The prolonged rainy season has resulted in poor coconut yields on the supplier's plantations, leading to a shortage of the fruit.
Read more »
1.5M devotees expected for Penang Thaipusam 2025All parties, especially temples and committees involved, are actively preparing to ensure a smooth progress of the religious event.
Read more »
Penang Gears Up for 239th Thaipusam FestivitiesPenang, Malaysia, is preparing to host the 239th Thaipusam festival, attracting devotees and tourists from across the globe. Key events include the Golden Chariot procession and safety measures are being implemented to ensure a smooth celebration.
Read more »