Over 30 devotees to carry kavadis during Thaipusam

KUCHING: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Matang, near here, is gearing up for the Thaipusam celebration with meticulous preparations and enthusiastic participation from the Hindu community.

Temple chairman and vice president of the Hindu Temple Association Kuching, Vaithilingam Palanisami, is happy with the smooth progress of preparations.

Vaithilingam Palanisami during the interview with reporters

He said the celebration at the temple is scheduled to begin at 10am, featuring Hindu devotees offering milk, coconut water, and honey to the deity as part of the sacred rituals.

“The primary preparations for our grand celebration take place at Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple on Ban Hock Road,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on Jan 24, Vaithilingam stressed the importance of the Thaipusam celebration which is observed globally during the Tamil month of ‘Thai.’

As part of the celebrations, more than 30 Hindu devotees are expected to participate in the kavadi procession, set to commence around 7am on Jan 25.

“The procession will start from the Satok Suspension Bridge and culminate at Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple on Ban Hock Road.

“The procession ceremony will witness Hindu devotees carrying kavadi and offering paal kudam (milk offerings) to fulfil their vows and express gratitude to Lord Murugan,” Vaithilingam explained.

In addition to these rituals, he added, the Thaipusam celebration here will include a hair-shaving ceremony, reminiscent of the traditions observed in Batu Caves.

Meanwhile, Hindu Temple Association Kuching president, V Sahundararaju, highlighted that the festival, which typically occurs in January or February, will feature the carrying of the Kavadi Aattam.

“This intricate and large structure symbolises the devotees’ profound commitment to making sacrifices and facing physical challenges as acts of devotion and penance.

“The act of piercing the skin, tongue, or cheeks with vel skewers is a form of mortification, showcasing the devotees’ unwavering dedication and their earnest desire to seek blessings from Lord Murugan,” he explained.

Adding insights into the preparations for Thaipusam, Sahundararaju detailed the various spiritual and physical disciplines involved, including practices such as cleanliness, regular prayers, adherence to a vegetarian diet, and a 48-day fasting period.

The festival, he emphasised, serves as a period of heightened devotion, self-discipline, and communal engagement, uniting devotees in a collective celebration of faith and spirituality.