A TOTAL of 27 underprivileged children from Kedah and Penang recently participated in a charity traditional ear-piercing ceremony at Rokkumalai Sri Muniswarar Bathrakaliamman Temple in Penang.
The event, organised by the Penang Hindu Association in collaboration with KRT Lorong Bukit Kukus and the temple, aimed to preserve the ancient Hindu tradition of ear-piercing for young boys and girls, as well as to raise awareness among the younger Hindu generation about its significance and importance.
According to Penang Hindu Association president Datuk P. Murugiah Mohan, ear-piercing at an early age is considered one of the 16 major sacraments in Hinduism. It marks a child’s formal entry into the community and is a time for family gatherings, prayers, and blessings for a healthy life.
Each child was gifted a pair of 14-carat gold earrings during the ceremony, which was traditionally conducted by an aasari, a Hindu goldsmith who specialises in the traditional method of ear-piercing. The children were supported by their foster parents and the donors of the earrings during the ceremony.
The participants included children from various welfare homes: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Batu Grace in Kulim, Kedah (8); Children’s Protection Society, Penang (8); Penang Shan Children’s Home (4); Pusat Jagaan Kamakshi (3); Pusat Jagaan Orang Tua Kurang Upaya (1); Priya Family (2); and Thaswika Tinagaran (1).
In addition to the ceremony held on May 2, each child received RM100 vouchers to purchase new Indian traditional clothing, generously sponsored by Tan Sri Datuk Ramesh. They were also given goodie bags filled with sweets and stationery.
Following the ceremony, the children participated in a commemorative photoshoot on a decorated bullock cart. Guests and children were treated to breakfast and a traditional banana leaf lunch.
Pix courtesy of Penang Hindu Association