AFTER two years of muted celebration, the Thaipusam festival in Penang was greeted with enthusiasm and togetherness.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow spent his time visiting ‘thaneer panthal’ (refreshment stalls) and shared light moments with the devotees during his walkabout in Jalan Utama this evening.
During the walkabout at 5pm, Chow was greeted and welcomed by the devotees and locals.
He was given a warm reception by those present at the refreshment stalls. Garlands of flowers were given to him.
Chow said he was glad that the annual Thaipusam event returns this year after a pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“So far, traffic condition in the vicinity is under control and I hope the devotees can plan their journey to avoid any inconvenience.
“The enforcement officers are on duty to ensure the festival is carried out smoothly,” he told reporters.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who was among those who accompanied Chow during the walkabout, said he was delighted to see the resumption of the Thaipusam procession.
“Some 1.5 million visitors are expected to take part in the three-day festival (until Monday) in Penang,” Dr Ramasamy said. He is also the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) chairman.
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, and Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees also joined the walkabout.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting