Thaipusam Crowds Are Back After 2 Lockdown Years

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Hindu devotees flocking to Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves today, in the lead-up to Thaipusam.KUALA LUMPUR: Hindu devotees in the country have flocked to Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves as the Thaipusam festival tomorrow brought out the crowds after two years of Covid-19 restrictions.
The sound of traditional Indian music filled the air while devotees carried their kavadis and “paal kudam” (milk offering) up the colourful stairs to Lord Murugan.
Many devotees expressed their excitement after not being able to properly celebrate the festival for the past two years.
Vannia Selvam (left) and his brother Dinesh Karan carried kavadis this year, and the experience has strengthened their bond.Kavadi-carrying was banned last year in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The lifting of the ban was a relief for Dinesh Karan. He said he was so happy that he could finally fulfil his vows to Lord Murugan this year.
“Carrying the kavadi and paal kudam provides inner peace as it is needed to fulfil one’s vows. I’m very happy I have fulfilled them this year. I hope that my prayers will be blessed,” the 39-year-old told FMT.
Dinesh’s brother, Vannia Selvam, 30, said it was his first time carrying a kavadi, as he couldn’t do so two years ago.
Vannia also said he was honoured to carry the kavadi alongside his brother, calling it a “different feeling”.
“Before this, I was just following him. However, this time we are doing it at the same time,” he said. Dinesh had also made his kavadi for him.
“This experience brought us even closer and now I can also share the experience (with other people),” he said.
Vannia also said he had the opportunity to thank Lord Murugan for blessing him with a new car and a new job at a private company.
Jesinta Mariasoosay says she is glad her youngest daughter (lower left) is able to experience carrying paal kudam for the first time.Jesinta Mariasoosay, who has two children, said she was glad that her youngest daughter could experience carrying paal kudam for the first time.
She said it was important for her daughter to understand Hindu culture and practise it.
Dr Kalai Thevandran with his family. He said carrying paal kudam signifies a form of offering in gratitude to Lord Murugan.Dr Kalai Thevandran said carrying paal kudam was a great way to learn and expose his seven-year-old son to understand the purpose of fulfilling one’s vows.
“It’s a celebration of paying gratitude to our Lord Murugan and we are grateful for whatever that he has been doing (for us),” he said.
Business has been booming for kavadi maker Kalayarasimany Thirumaney after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted this year.He hoped that this year Lord Murugan would bless his family economically, spiritually and healthily.
Kavadi maker Kalayarasimany Thirumaney said business has been booming, and orders had trebled compared to last year.
“We are talking about 20 to 30 kavadis (as compared to two last year). We are still taking orders for the small kavadis and we have sold out our big ones,” said Kalayarasimany, who has been making kavadis since she was 12. - FMT

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