NOW THIS IS BIG! 1 million people expected at Penang Thaipusam

GEORGE TOWN - About one million people are expected to throng the streets here to celebrate Thaipusam tomorrow.

The celebration kicked off with the procession of the 122-year-old silver chariot which left the Kovil Veedu (Temple House) in Lebuh Pinang about 6am today.

The chariot took Lord Muruga to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple on the hilltop at Jalan Air Terjun. The deity was accompanied by kavadi bearers as a sign of obeisance and to fulfil their vows.

Devotees broke coconuts as offerings, as the chariot made its way towards the hilltop temple. The chariot will leave the hilltop temple to return to the Kovil Veedu tomorrow at 6pm.

When met, Nattukottai Chettiar Temple managing trustees chairman AL. Shammugan said the four wooden wheels of the chariot were replaced with steel ones about four months ago. He said the wheels were made in Trichy, India, at a cost of about RM50,000, and made maintenance easier.

"The wheels also make the chariot easier to pull," he told theSun.

In a recent press conference, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple chairman R. Subramaniam said more than 1,000 policemen will be deployed to keep peace.

He urged devotees and visitors not to wear too much jewellery or carry a lot of cash and to keep an eye on their children.

He expects more than 500 kavadi bearers and 32,000 palkudam (milk pot) bearers this year.

Meanwhile, roads affected by the procession include Lebuh Buckingham, Lebuh Campbell, Jalan Penang, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Burma, Jalan Anson, Jalan Macalister and Jalan Ayer Rajah.

The return journey will see the chariot pass through Jalan Utama, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Magazine and Lebuh Victoria. - Sundaily

Full article: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=452651:now-this-is-big-1-million-people-expected-at-penang-thaipusam&Itemid=4#ixzz3QY1Orw50
Follow us: @MsiaChronicle on Twitter