Penang Thaipusam Celebration 2014

USPA NEWS - Religiously celebrated during the full moon in the tenth month of the Hindu calendar, Thaipusam is a significant event observed by the Hindu community in Malaysia. Catch sights of chariot procession and kavadi bearers at these official routes and locations in Penang.

Thaipusam Eve Jan 16 (6am-12midnight). Little India to Jalan Dato Keramat. The ceremonial worship of Hindu's celebrated deity, Lord Muruga will begin with a silver chariot procession led by kavadis adorned with peacock features. The procession begins from Little India (6am) to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple (ends at midnight). Along the procession routes, coconuts are smashed onto the ground to fulfill sacred vows. The best place to catch the coconut smashing spectacle is on Jalan Dato Keramat, in front of Penang Times Square. Standby for the procession from 12noon onwards.

Thaipusam Day Jan 17 (3am-9.30pm). Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple to Waterfall Hilltop Temple. Religiously performed on Thaipusam Day, devotees will have their bodies pierced with hooks and spears as an act of penance. The piercing ceremony of the kavadi bearers will take place at the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple on Lorong Kulit (beside Rapid Penang office) from 3am onwards. The uphill journey to the new Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple) will begin right after. The best time to view the kavadis is from 3pm onwards. The final and bigger kavadi will climb up to the temple at 9.30pm. Other devotees will also fullfil their vows by carrying Paal Kudam (milk pots) up to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple. The journey begins from

Other devotees will also fullfil their vows by carrying Paal Kudam (milk pots) up to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple. The journey begins from Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple or the Shree Muniswarar Temple (at the junction of Jalan Utama, Jalan Kebun Bunga and Jalan Gottlieb). For free refreshments and vegetarian food, visit one of the 130 festively decorated Thaneer Panthals (make shift stalls) along the pilgrimage route. More stalls are placed along Jalan Utama to Jalan Air Terjun (Waterfall Road).