GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to observe the 239th Thaipusam event organised by the Thannermalai Shree Balathandayuthabani Devastanam (Hilltop Temple) on Feb 11, with devotees and tourists expected from across Malaysia as well as New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.
Temple chairman Datuk Seri K. Kumaraendran said key events include the Golden Chariot procession, which will begin at 6am on Feb 10 from Queen Street Maha Mariaman Temple and return from the Hilltop Temple foothill at 7pm on Feb 12.
"Devotees can track its movement in real-time via the enhanced Golden Chariot Tracker website (https://pantau.digitalpenang.my/).
"Devotees are urged to follow safety instructions, particularly during the coconut-breaking ritual, which must be conducted at least 50m to 100m from the Golden Chariot.
"Road closures will be in place, with Jalan Kebun Bunga closed from 5pm on Feb 9 to midnight on Feb 11, and Jalan Utama shut from 6am on Feb 10 to midnight on Feb 11.
"Only vehicles with valid temple-issued passes will be allowed entry during these times," he told a press conference on Saturday (Feb 1).
Kumaraendran also urged devotees performing vows such as carrying kavadis or offering milk to complete their rituals by 10pm at the Hilltop Temple to ease congestion.
"Announcements on crowd management and prayer schedules will be made via the temple's public address system and the tracker website.
"Additional facilities will include first-aid camps, an annathanam shed, awareness booths, citizenship application services, a blood donation drive, resting areas, and a lost and found counter," he added.
Temple committee members, Penang Hindu Endowments Board representatives, and Digital Penang Sdn Bhd officials attended the press conference, where it was noted that enhancements to the Golden Chariot Tracker website now allow devotees to locate the chariot more precisely.
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