KUALA LUMPUR: The Thaipusam festival is back again on a grand scale with iconic silver chariot processions across the country after two years of muted celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mass of devotees was felt at the main thrust of the celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves here, with thousands of Hindus carrying 'kavadi' and 'paal kudam' (milk offerings) to pay homage to Lord Murugan.
Met at the temple, Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar advised Hindus and tourists to be on guard against the spread of COVID-19 and to observe cleanliness on temple grounds.
"As for the level of security, I noticed that the situation here is quite good. I also take this opportunity to wish a happy Thaipusam for the year 2023 to all Hindus throughout the country," he said when observing Thaipusam celebrations here.
In SELANGOR, an estimated 150,000 Hindus thronged the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Kuala Selangor since yesterday, with the chairman of the temple P. Kannathasan saying the number increased by 30 per cent compared to the last three years.
"Many people come here, those taking vows because this festival has been postponed for two years, besides the temple giving free food to visitors who attend from yesterday until tomorrow thanks to public donations," he said.
In JOHOR, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to attend a vegetarian luncheon for the state-level Thaipusam festival held at the Arulmigu Sri Balasubramaniar Temple in Skudai, Johor Bahru.
Sultan Ibrahim's arrival at 11 am was greeted by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the chairman of the temple, Datuk S. Balakrishnan.
At the ceremony which was attended by some 10,000 Hindus, Sultan Ibrahim also consented to accept a donation of RM5,000 from the temple for the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation and a souvenir pot made of silver specially ordered from India.
In NEGRI SEMBILAN, president of Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Yamtuan, Seremban, R Parameswaran said thousands of devotees visited the temple with about 5,000 marching with the paal kudam.
In PENANG, thousands garbed in bright orange-yellow to symbolise purity began to flood Jalan Kebun Bunga in Georgetown as early as 4 am, before it drifted two kilometres to the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Temple, the famous shrine at the base of a waterfall, here.
Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said as of 11 am today, more than half a million visitors attended the Thaipusam celebration since yesterday, which went smoothly without any incident.
In KEDAH, Kuala Muda District police chief ACP Zaidy Che Hassan said the celebration at the Sri Subramaniya Swami Devasthanam Temple in Sungai Petani was also incident-free, with 700 police officers assigned throughout Op Palu in the Kuala Muda district.
In PERAK, an estimated 25,000 Hindus celebrated the Thaipusam festival at Kallumal Arulmigu Subramania Temple in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh.
A tourist from France, Juliette Baudot, 24, here with her boyfriend Hugo Doucet, 23, was excited to be among tourists worldwide drawn to the celebration, as it was their first visit to the country.
"It is nice to be here as I don't really know more about the history of this festival. In my country, we don't have all this. I came here as early as 10 am to see how it's actually going and I really like it," she said.
Thaipusam is a festival celebrated in the month of 'Thai', which is the 10th month in the Tamil calendar to commemorate the event of Goddess Parvati giving her son Lord Murugan a divine spear 'Vel' to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and restore prosperity and well-being to humanity.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Feb 05 2023
The Thaipusam festival is back again on a grand scale with iconic silver chariot processions across the country after two years of muted celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.