Massive Crowd At Batu Caves Makes Thaipusam Livelier

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G Doraisingam and his family were happy that they could fulfil their vows together this yearKUALA LUMPUR: After a two-year wait brought about by Covid-19 lockdowns, Hindu devotees thronged the Sri Subramaniar temple at Batu Caves today to finally fulfil their Thaipusam vows.
Devotees were not deterred by the hot weather or the large crowd which was estimated to be over a million throughout the day. Besides the devotees, tourists and visitors were there to witness the event.
For some, the huge crowd brought about a good feeling, too.
“There’s a positive vibe here in this big crowd, after all it’s been two years since we celebrated Thaipusam,” said G Doraisingam, 40.
When asked if the massive crowd was a hindrance for the devotees, Doraisingam disagreed, saying the people would just need to “adjust and tolerate” the situation.
Doraisingam, who was accompanied by his wife, Judy Maria and their three kids, said the presence of a large number of tourists and visitors also made the celebrations lively this year.
“I saw a man from another faith shaving his head. I’m not sure if it was for a vow or not, but I found that impressive,” he said.
Jeff (right) and Rriad (left) from Algeria have visited Malaysia three times, but this is the first time they are visiting Batu Caves on Thaipusam day.Another devotee, S Giritharan, 20, carried a Kavadi this year for his Thaipusam vow. He said he was glad that he finally managed to do it after two years of waiting.
“The kavadi was heavy, but I carried it anyway because I have to fulfil my vows,” he said, looking exhausted after descending from the colourful stairs of 272 steps.
A tourist from Algeria, who only wanted to be known as Jeff, said he was on his first visit to Batu Caves. He described the experience as a special one.
“I was really amazed with the devotees carrying the kavadis up the stairs. They looked really heavy,” he said.
Jeff said this is his third visit to Malaysia and added he will certainly return with more friends in the future to experience Thaipusam. - FMT

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