Thaipusam Festival: A Celebration of Faith and Culture
Penang Preparations in Full Swing
More than 1.5 million Hindu devotees from across the nation and tourists are expected to throng Penang for this year’s Thaipusam festival, which falls on February 11. The Penang Hindu Endowments Board (LWHPP) Chairman, RSN Rayer, said that all parties, especially temples and committees involved, are actively preparing to ensure a smooth progress of the religious event.
Large Crowds Anticipated
"We anticipate welcoming 1.5 million Hindu devotees from across the country. Last year, the number reached one million visitors. People are not only travelling from across Malaysia but also from abroad, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and more," Rayer said. He added that the festival coincides with the school holidays, which is expected to attract an even larger crowd.
Tracking System Introduced
At a press conference on the Thaipusam 2025 celebrations, Rayer introduced a tracking system for the Golden Chariot, which was developed in collaboration between LWHPP and Digital Penang. The tracking system, introduced last year, has been enhanced with new features, allowing devotees to access real-time information more easily through the "Pathrikai & Chariot Tracker" app.
Features of the Tracking System
"Last year, LWHPP introduced a digital tracking system in collaboration with Digital Penang for the first time. This enabled devotees to track the movement of the Golden Chariot before and after the procession using an app on their mobile phones," Rayer explained. He added that with this feature, devotees can plan their prayers at nearby temples along the chariot’s route or make offerings during the procession.
Golden Chariot Route
Rayer said that the Golden Chariot will depart the Maha Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen at 6 am on February 10. It will arrive at the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple the following day. The chariot will return to the Maha Mariamman Temple on February 12 and is scheduled to arrive on February 13.
Conclusion
Thaipusam is a significant festival for the Hindu community, and the preparations in Penang are expected to be nothing short of spectacular. With the tracking system in place, devotees can plan their prayers and offerings more easily, making the festival a truly memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected number of devotees attending the Thaipusam festival this year?
A: More than 1.5 million Hindu devotees are expected to attend the festival.
Q: Where will the Golden Chariot depart from and arrive at?
A: The Golden Chariot will depart from the Maha Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen and arrive at the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.
Q: What is the purpose of the tracking system introduced by LWHPP?
A: The tracking system allows devotees to access real-time information about the Golden Chariot’s movement, enabling them to plan their prayers and offerings more easily.