Mini Thaipusam in living colour

A CHARIOT bearing the image of Lord Muruga began its journey from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen to the Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Hilltop Temple on Waterfall Road in Penang on Friday night.

The procession was held in conjunction with the annual Chithirai Pournami festival or ‘Mini Thaipusam’.

Present at the event were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong.

Prayers began in the early afternoon at the state’s oldest Indian temple. Later, the golden statue was hoisted onto a massive 7.3m-high chariot which was adorned with lights and flower garlands.

Pulled by two bulls, the chariot started its journey at 7.15pm and arrived at the hilltop temple in the wee hours of the next day.

Hindu Mahajana Sangam chairman M. Nelamegam said the festival was held to commemorate the first full moon after the Tamil New Year which was celebrated on April 14.

“The sangam was established in 1935 and we have been organising the celebration every year except during the Second World War.

“The celebration is sometimes called ‘Mini Thaipusam’ because it is a three-day celebration where kavadi bearers make their way to the hilltop temple on the second day and Lord Muruga returns home to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple the day after,” he explained.

“It’s a joyous day for us to celebrate a fest in honour of Lord Muruga as well as continue on the tradition of our forefathers and at the same time, pass this tradition down to our children,” Nelamegam added.

The Star