Businessman skips yee sang toss to pull 300kg chariot
Tuesday, 19 Feb 20195:55 PM MYT
by r.s.n.murali
MELAKA: There has been no yee sang toast this year for businessman Low Meng Siong after he decided to go on a two-week fasting period during Chinese New Year in a bid to continue his tradition of pulling the gold-plated chariot at the Sannayasi Andavar Temple in Cheng here.
The 40-year-old made heads turn during the annual “Masi Magan” festival at the temple when he pulled the 300kg chariot of Lord Muruga for 1km to the temple ground with 24 large hooks pierced on his back late on Monday night (Feb 18).
Low, a bachelor, is also considered the longest kavadi bearer in Melaka, as he has been doing it for 24 years.
“I had to fast for half-day and also abstain from consuming red meat and alcohol throughout the Lunar New Year in order for me to be able to pierce my back and mouth without pain or bleeding,” he said when interviewed after he completed his prayers.
Low said he has been a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga since the age of 10 and has been bearing kavadi as well as pulling chariots since 1995.
“I first prayed at the temple for my ailing grandmother in 1989 and when she was cured, I continued my prayers,” he said.
Low said the Sannaysai Andavar Temple is unique as most devotees are ethic Chinese who carry kavadi, and the atmosphere is similar to Thaipusam.
“In the early days, Cheng had a high population of Chinese, and our forefathers had been praying at the temple for more than 120 years,” he said.
Low said he pulled the chariot as an act of repentance and thanksgiving.
“I pray that Malaysia remains peaceful and free from natural disasters, as well as for the well-being of my family and friends,” he added.
Among the devotees who thronged the temple site was Melaka Health and Anti-Drug committee chairman Low Chee Leong.
He joined the devotees by walking with them, with many not realising that a state executive councillor was in their midst.
The annual event is among the grandest of Hindu festivals celebrated in the country.
The two-day festival began with the journey of a silver chariot bearing a gold statue of Lord Murugan adorned with diamonds from one of the country’s oldest Hindu temples, the 18th century Sri Poothya Temple in Jalan Tukang Besi here before it ends on Tuesday night.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/19/businessman-skips-yee-sang-toss-to-pull-300kg-chariot/#YdtdJbhPdorIzcJK.99
