Thaipusam 2018

Thaipusam signifies the victory of good over evil. During this celebration, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a golden chariot worth RM3 million led by more than 60 kavadis from Little India to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple at Waterfall Road. On Thaipusam day, devotees go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as the act of penance.

Temple Chairman said that 160 ‘thanir panthal’ (refreshment stalls) including sales outlets were expected to operate on the day, as compared to 150 last year, while 400 colourful ‘kavadis’ of various sizes would be carried by Hindu devotees.

Highlight on roadblock: Jalan Western to Jalan Kebun Bunga; and the junction of Jalan Macalister up to the road leading to Jalan Air Terjun.

Schedule:
30 Jan, 5am: ‘VEL’ Procession on the Golden Chariot will leave the Sree Maha Mariamman Temple, Queen Street Penang
30 Jan, 9pm: Expected to reach the Hilltop Murugan Temple
31 Jan, All day: At Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple, Jalan Kebun Bunga
1 Feb, 5pm: Return journey – Golden Chariot leaving the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple enroute to the Sree Maha Mariamman Temple, Queen Street and is expected the arrive at 7.00am the following day.