Thaipusam Celebration in Penang

Today is Thaipusam which is celebrated in honour of Lord Subramaniam by the Hindus, Indians who practise Hinduism. For this year, the crowd in Penang is expected to increase to 100,000 people.

The road with the largest number of stalls lining both sides of the road is Jalan Kebun Bunga. These stalls will be decorated with pictures of deities with colourful lights. A silver chariot carrying Lord Muruga from a temple in Penang Street will go all the way to the hilltop temple near the Penang’s Botanical Gardens. The 14 km procession will be participated by devotees carrying kavadis with their cheeks pierced with skewers. Their bodies will be hooked here and there too. These are the ones repaying favours granted by Lord Subramaniam, one of the Hindus’ Gods. Others will be taking along milk to be offered to Lord Subramaniam.

Thaipusam is celerated to commemorate the day when Lord Siva’s consort gave a vel (spear) to his son to vanquish evil on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai. However, the Hindus treat this day as a day of penance and a day to fulfill their vows for prayers answered.

Whatever religion we embrace, let us all pray for world peace. On a day like Thaipusam, human beings should repent on their wrong doings and start to turn over a new leaf.