Devotees carrying kavadis flock to Batu Caves for festival
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Thaipusam celebrations at the Batu Caves was a feast for both the senses and the soul, with devotees carrying magnificent kavadis and decked in colourful traditional clothing flocking to the area.
Devotees of all ages carried kavadis, while some chose small pots of milk (paal kudam) or bells and garlands.
Others carried elaborate multi-tiered kavadis decorated with peacock feathers, small statues, flowers and coconuts.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at the temple compound at 10am and was received by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam, Gerakan vice-president A. Kohilan Pilay and Malaysia’s special ambassador to India and South Asia Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu.
Vadivelan Kaneson, 30, carried his 45kg kavadi as he prayed for his family’s health and wealth.
The shipping officer said the kavadi was the biggest he had ever carried, but felt “no pain at all, just happiness for Lord Murugan’s blessing”.
Shiva M. Senan, 26, carried a 70kg kavadi for the fourth year.
“I prayed for peace in the world,” he said while tending to his brother Vishnu, who helped him carry the kavadi down from the temple atop the 272 steps.
Many devotees also got their heads shaved, a symbol of penance and humility.
Free moru (a yoghurt drink) was distributed, while the Koperasi Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam gave out free meals to 100,000 people.
The organisation’s head Rishi Nirantara, 33, said free food had been distributed in the previous years, but never on such a large scale.
“Usually, we prepare for 10,000 but this year we have enough to feed 100,000,” said Rishi, adding that donations were used to fund the sumptuous vegetarian meals.
“It is a great thing to share food. We feel happy to be able to serve and see it as a pilgrimage.”
The celebrations also attracted foreign tourists from as far as Europe, who were curious and excited to witness the festival.
Dutch couple Claire Hermans and Peter Puts extended their trip to watch the festivities.
“It’s amazing, the music and sounds and even the smells,” said Hermans.
Italian couple Pasquale Taula and Monica Virdis, who are on their honeymoon, said they were impressed with the kavadis.
“I admire the people carrying the kavadis all the way up to Batu Caves. It looks very tiring and painful. It’s nice to see them have so much love and devotion for their god,” said Taula
.
