Hello: Sim visiting stalls with Rayer after a press conference at Waterfall Road in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: It’s a unified Thaipusam celebration this year, with both the golden and silver chariots to travel less than 1km apart from each other during the procession this Wednesday.
Since 2017, both chariots had moved several hours apart on the eve of the celebration.
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Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer said this will be the Unity Thaipusam year where both chariots come together.
“We want to maintain the 1km distance between both chariots at all times. This is to ensure everyone can see both chariots and offer their prayers without having to wait for hours.
“The golden chariot will depart from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen at 5.30am. The moment it moves, the silver chariot will leave from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang.
“In the past, both chariots were far apart. This time, we want both chariots to reach their respective temples at 11pm.
“Last year, the silver chariot reached the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga at 4am,” he said during a press conference held at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga yesterday.
The Thaipusam procession in Penang began in 1856, with only the silver chariot in use until 2017 when the rival golden chariot was introduced by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board.
Since 2017, both chariots have left the “Little India” area within an hour of each other, causing a major gridlock along the procession route, with each reaching its destination well past midnight.
Rayer said the PHEB held discussions with the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple committee and they both agreed to come together this year.
“This year, we expect more than a million people at the three-day celebration.
“Thaipusam not only draws in the Hindu crowd but the Chinese and tourists as well.
“There are 150 panthals (stalls) set up here on the island. We also expect 3,000 to 4,000 kavadi bearers. Many pull chariots as well, and we expect we’ll have 30 to 40 of those chariots,” he said.
For those trying to locate the silver chariot on the day of the procession, visit chariot.byebyte.org.
Rayer also urged those with ailments and in the high-risk category to head over to the temples early to avoid the crowds on the actual day of the celebration.
“As there are still Covid-19 cases, it’s best to take care of yourselves by masking up.
“Those manning the panthals should stick to devotional songs as Thaipusam is not a street disco party.
“Do not light firecrackers as well.
“Make use of free public transport to avoid indiscriminate parking as in case of an emergency, it may get difficult for aid to reach those in need,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple committee trustee A.L. Lakshmanan said that in the past, the committee would make around 200 to 300 stops for people to offer prayers, as well as for volunteers to get on and off the chariot, hence the delay.
“This time, we plan to shorten the time at certain stops.
“We hope devotees will not park their vehicles along the route of the procession as it will hinder our movement,” he said.
Earlier, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the Kesuma Madani programme will be held during the three-day Thaipusam celebration in Penang from Wednesday to Friday.
“The outreach programme will be bringing the ‘ministry to the people’.
“We will send 150 volunteers to Penang to assist the temple committee in managing logistics during Thaipusam, as well as to set up a booth to provide employment information and register Indian youths for technical courses.
“The booth will be set up with the cooperation of the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra). The ministry is also targeting housewives from the Indian community to register for the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR).
“A total of RM1.09mil was paid to 405 housewives registered for the scheme between December 2022 and December 2023.
“It is our hope to register 500,000 housewives this year.
“So far, only more than 200,000 have registered,” he said.
