Taipusam

The grand silver-chariot left for Batu Caves on the eve (29 January 2010) passing by Chinatown. The madness was the crowd itself where worshippers and tourists alike thronged the roads that the chariot was scheduled to pass.

The image of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot punctuated along the four kilometers route to Batu Caves, stopping where there were coconuts to be smashed on the road.

Pick-pockets had a busy night racking in on unsuspected victims (I was one of those got “hacked”).

Taipusam is celebrated on the 10th month of the Hindu calendar, which falls in January or February each year. It is a day of penance and thanksgiving for the Hindus, and this festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Muruga (also known as Lord Subramaniam).

Hindus believe that sins can be cleansed during Thaipusam, and the believers who take part in the festival prepare themselves by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, usually observing a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time.

Cow’s milk in silver urns was the common sight and the devotees walk with Lord Muruga.

It is all about one’s faith in the Lord where resilience prevails.

It was about 3.30 in the morning and the crowd began to stream into the temple at Batu Caves.

To be continued.