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Thaipusam, a march of sacrifice and devotion | Scoop
Devotees throng the streets in the city centre as the chariot bearing Lord Muruga’s statue emerges from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
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Thaipusam, a march of sacrifice and devotion

Every year, a procession escorts a chariot bearing the idol of Muruga in a nearly 24-hour procession from one temple to another

Main Author Image
Azim Rahman
Updated
1:37 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Every Thaipusam, Hindu devotees prepare themselves to celebrate the festival that marks the triumph of Lord Muruga over the evil demon Surapadman. 

To celebrate this victory, they accompany a chariot bearing the idol of Muruga and march in a nearly 24-hour procession from one temple to another to commemorate his triumphant return from battle.

In the city centre, this march proceeds from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun HS Lee to the temple in Batu Caves. The chariot will pass through several areas in the city, and this year, more than 20 roads in the capital have been closed since last night (January 23) for up to three days to facilitate the march and its return journey.

Marching with the chariot is a way to demonstrate devotion and affirmation of faith. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024

By this evening, the chariot is expected to arrive at Batu Caves, ahead of the main Thaipusam celebration tomorrow.

Thaipusam falls on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, and coincides with the rising of the Pusam star in Tamil astrology. That’s how the festival came to be named Thaipusam.

The festival includes ritualistic practices of Kavadi Aattam, a ceremonial act of sacrifice carrying a physical burden as a means of balancing a spiritual debt. – January 24, 2024

Coconuts are broken along the procession to symbolise the surrender of one’s ego. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
Drummers accompany the chariot and give a rhythmic boost to marchers in the procession. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
A devotee carries a kavadi, which symbolises sacrifice in the act of bearing a physical burden. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
The chariot inches its way along the streets of Kuala Lumpur, some of which are closed for more than two days to facilitate the procession to Batu Caves, as well as its return journey. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
Devotees carry offerings as they march along with the chariot. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
Pots of milk are also carried as offerings. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
Those who don’t march watch the colourful procession from the sidelines but show devotion in others ways, such as performing prayers, observing a vegetarian diet and practicing celibacy during this period. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024

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