ATTENDANCE at this year’s Thaipusam celebrations in Penang could potentially exceed 1.5 million visitors, based on preliminary observations and feedback from the organising committee.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer, however, said that a final figure can only be confirmed at the end of the festival period.
“Preparations and crowd management measures have been put in place to handle crowds of up to 1.5 million people safely throughout the celebrations,” he said during a media conference with the presence of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow before the walkabout today.
The Thaipusam chariot procession to the Arulmigu Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple at Jalan Kebun Bunga is continuing, although it is running about one and a half hours behind schedule due to the large turnout of devotees along the route.
Rayer mentioned the delay was mainly caused by the high number of devotees stopping to fulfil religious vows and perform prayers as the chariots made their way towards the temple.
“The procession is still moving towards the Waterfall Temple, but it is slightly behind schedule because of the large number of devotees performing rituals along the route,” he said.
Rayer said observations showed devotees heading towards the temple earlier than usual, possibly in anticipation of larger crowds for this year’s Thaipusam celebration.
“We believe many devotees adjusted their timing as they expected heavier crowds, which is why we saw people arriving at the temple earlier,” he added.
He said the PHEB is using a monitoring application to track the movement of both the Golden Chariot and the Silver Chariot throughout the procession.
Rayer explained that the high number of kavadi bearers and devotees performing prayers for both chariots contributed to the delay, despite the Golden Chariot departing earlier than scheduled.
“Last year, the procession reached the temple between 1.30am and 3.00am, and we expect it may arrive slightly later this year, even though the Golden Chariot departed about 15 minutes earlier,” he said.
He added that while the procession was originally scheduled to begin at 6.00am from Queen Street, it departed at 5.45am after the completion of all religious rites.
“Despite the delay, our priority has been to ensure that all devotees are given sufficient opportunity to perform their prayers and fulfil their religious obligations safely,” Rayer said.
On coconut offerings, Rayer said the number of coconuts used during this year’s Thaipusam appears similar to previous years and may be slightly higher.
“This could be due to the drop in coconut prices compared to last year,” he said.
However, he stressed that the quantity of coconuts prepared for breaking along the procession route appeared normal and was neither excessive nor reduced.
“Based on our observations, the volume of coconuts prepared along the route is within the usual range,” he said.
Rayer expressed appreciation to the state leadership and agencies involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the celebrations.
“On behalf of the Hindu Endowments Board, we record our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chief Minister for taking the time to visit in conjunction with Thaipusam, despite his busy official schedule,” he said.
Rayer said the Chief Minister’s visit a day before Thaipusam reflected the state government’s commitment to ensuring preparations, including pandals and facilities for devotees, were in order.
He also thanked Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran for the strong cooperation extended through MBPP, particularly in relation to extensive clean-up operations along the procession route.
On cleanliness, Rajendran said council personnel have been deployed to carry out cleaning operations along the entire procession route.
“MBPP has mobilised approximately 500 personnel to ensure cleanliness is maintained along the route and surrounding areas throughout the Thaipusam celebrations,” he said.
Rajendran added that continuous cleaning works are being carried out before, during and after the procession to ensure public safety and comfort for devotees and visitors.
Chow also extended Thaipusam greetings to all devotees on behalf of the Penang state government.
“I would like to wish all devotees Happy Thaipusam. May everyone be able to perform their rituals and participate in the procession in a spirit of tolerance, harmony and mutual respect,” he said.
Chow said the celebration stands as a strong example of peaceful religious practice in Penang’s multicultural society.
“This celebration shows how people of different faiths can practise their religious obligations peacefully and respectfully,” he said.
He also thanked all agencies involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival.
“My appreciation goes to the security forces, cleaning crews, the Hindu Endowments Board of Penang, enforcement officers and the people of Penang for their cooperation and support,” Chow added.
Among those present were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran, coordinator Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, and PHEB members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siew Chia En