Thaipusam will be celebrated moderately in Penang this year, says Ramasamy

PENANG has been allowed to celebrate Thaipusam with only chariot processions and carrying of ‘paal kudam’ (milk pots), according to state Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy.

 

Ramasamy said this was the outcome of an engagement session yesterday that was participated by the temple committees (Waterfall Hilltop Temple), National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique and other government agencies.

 

“There will be a Thaipusam celebration in Penang but only chariot processions and bearing of ‘paal kudam’ (milk pots) are allowed.

 

“We have been allowed to have a maximum of registered 1,000 devotees to follow the chariot at any one time,” Ramasamy told a press conference at Komtar today.

Ramasamy said taking into consideration the Covid-19 situation in the country, Penang would be celebrating Thaipusam in a careful, controlled and regulated manner.

 

He said other traditional activities such as bearing of kavadis, food donation (anadhanam), coconut breaking and head shaving ceremony will not be allowed.

 

The setting up of ‘thanner panthals’ and the stalls for the petty traders is also not allowed.

 

Ramasamy said taking into consideration the Covid-19 situation in the country, Penang would be celebrating Thaipusam in a careful, controlled and regulated manner.

 

“It will take place in accordance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (NSC).

 

“The devotees are advised to conduct a Covid-19 self-test before taking part in the celebration to prevent the spread of disease,” Ramasamy said.

 

Meanwhile, Waterfall Hilltop Temple chairman Datuk R. Subramaniam said the Golden Chariot has requested five stops for its procession when it departs from the Queen Street Mariaman Temple on Thaipusam eve which is on Jan 17 at 8am.

 

“The minister has allowed for 10 stops but we have only requested for five stops, namely Kamachi Amman Temple in Datuk Keramat, Amman Temple in Lorong Kulit, Muniswarar Temple in Gotlieb Road, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Waterfall Road and the final stop at Waterfall Hilltop Temple.

 

Subramaniam also said concurrently, sanitisation work would also take place at the temple (Waterfall Hilltop) every half an hour.

 

“For the ‘paal kudam’ activity, we only allow those who are above 18 years old and fully vaccinated to perform it.

 

“This time, the devotees carrying ‘paal kudam’ are required to begin their pilgrimage at the designated start point which is at the Youth Park car park area.

 

“They will need to register themselves by scanning the QR code which we will provide,” he added.

 

Subramaniam also said concurrently, sanitisation work would also take place at the temple (Waterfall Hilltop) every half an hour.

 

“We will be disinfecting the temple every 30 minutes, making the waiting period a little longer for the devotees.

 

“Therefore, those who have health issues can perhaps give way to other devotees to fulfil their vows.

 

“However, the SOPs for the Thaipusam celebration have not been finalised yet by the NSC.

 

“We will be updating the public on the SOPs after they have been finalised.

 

“There will not be any compromise on complying with the SOPs as public health and safety are of utmost importance at the end of the day,” he added.

 

It is learned that the Silver Chariot is also given a maximum limit of registered 1,000 devotees to follow the procession.

 

Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter