Thursday February 2, 2012

Devotees start to flock to Batu Caves

SELANGOR: Thousands of devotees have started flocking to Batu Caves to offer prayers ahead of Thaipusam, with some taking advantage of the Federal Territories Day holiday to avoid the rush.

“We are here early to avoid the crowd, as we will travel to our hometown for Thaipusam,” said Ramesh Subramaniam, 44.

Ramesh, who came with his family to Batu Caves yesterday to give offerings to Lord Muruga, said he would be at the Siva Subramaniam Kallumalai Temple in Ipoh with his relatives on Tuesday.

Just outside the religious and tourism spot, crowds of families clad in traditional attire and flower garlands could be seen preparing for the walk to the temple.

Baby’s bald statement: Four-month-old G. Jiviktesh Sai crying as S. Sakthivell shaves his hair. Consoling him are father Y. Gunasegaran and mother S. Thilaga.

Building executive Thilagaahvatiy, 29, was with her fiance's family as they comforted their wailing nephew, Vinashan Avikna, two, while his hair was being shaven.

Thaipusam, which falls on Tuesday, attracts devotees from near and far who come to make their way up the 272 steps of Batu Caves to the Sri Subramaniam Swamy temple to fulfil vows.

Many carry kavadis while others carry the pal kodum (milk pots) as a fulfilment of their vows to Lord Muruga.

Tourists were fascinated by the festivities.

“We did not know that people were beginning to celebrate Thaipusam,” said Carmen Callejas, 29, from Honduras.

“But it is very interesting to watch and we are fortunate we came,” she said.

She and her friends Maria Aguilar, 20, and Martha Centeno, 42, will leave Malaysia today.

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