Devotees making offerings to the deity on the silver chariot. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
STREETS in inner city George Town came alive with cultural festivities as more than 1,000 devotees joined a chariot procession to mark Malaysia Shirdi Sai Baba Society’s 14th anniversary.
Starting from the Penang Shirdi Sai Baba Centre in Queen Street, the 5km procession meandered through the city’s historical roads.
A silver chariot, adorned with colourful blooms and carrying an idol of Shirdi Sai Baba, was the focal point of the four-hour event.
Devotees lined the route, offering flowers, fruits and other prayer items to the chariot as a way of seeking blessings from the revered saint.
The society’s founder and adviser Datuk Kannan Baba explained that these offerings symbolised the devotees’ faith and trust in Sai Baba’s blessings.
“This procession, which is part of the society’s nine-day celebration, is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one.
Stilt walkers joining the joyous celebration. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“The prayers and offerings made by the devotees are testament to their unwavering faith in Sai Baba’s ability to bring peace and prosperity into their lives.
“This chariot procession, which has become an annual tradition, is not unique to George Town.
“Similar processions are also held in other parts of Malaysia that include Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Perak,” he said when met.
The George Town procession was also a vibrant display of cultural heritage.
There was a lion dance troupe whose energetic performances created a festive atmosphere.
A musician playing a nadaswaram heralds the procession.
The lion dance, which is a Chinese cultural staple symbolising good luck and believed to ward off evil spirits, blended in with the spiritual tone of the procession.
Adding to the cultural richness of the event was an Indian horse dance and drum troupe which performed at the start of the procession.
There was also a stick dance performance.
The rhythmic and graceful movements of the horse dance captivated the audience.
Kannan said the fusion of different cultural elements highlighted the multicultural fabric of Malaysia where various traditions coexist and enhance each other.
A stick dance paves the way for the chariot.
As the procession wound its way through the streets, volunteers from the organisation distributed free food to devotees.
The offerings included vegetarian dishes, traditional Indian sweets and refreshing drinks.
These were to ensure that attendees were nourished both spiritually and physically.
This act of service, known as “annadanam” in Hindu tradition, is a significant aspect of Sai Baba’s teachings, emphasising the importance of charity and selflessness.
A lion dance and Indian horse dance.
For many participants, the procession was a deeply personal experience that enabled them to connect with their spirituality and with the community.
As the chariot made its way through George Town, it carried the hopes, prayers and collective devotion of the thousands who walked alongside it.
Kannan shared that Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying joined in the celebrations and donated RM5,000 to the society.
Adding cultural diversity to the festivities.
Shirdi Sai Baba, also known as Sai Baba of Shirdi, was a revered Indian spiritual master, honoured as a saint during his lifetime and beyond.
His teachings emphasised the significance of self-realisation and cautioned against attachment to fleeting worldly possessions.
His message also revolved around a moral code that upheld love, forgiveness, charity, helping others, contentment, inner peace and unwavering devotion to God.
