Hindu devotees in Malaysia gather in thousands for Thaipusam festival

Hindu devotees in Malaysia gather in thousands for Thaipusam festival

Tens of thousands of devotees have thronged Batu Caves in Malaysia since early Saturday (Feb 8) to celebrate Thaipusam.

They carried brightly-decorated and ornate frames known as kavadi, some decorated with peacock feathers and garlands.

Others carried the paal kudam (milk pots) and made their way from the Sri Subramaniar Temple's entrance to the hilltop temple.

Rituals were performed as acts of penance and to offer thanks to Lord Muruga, as well as to fulfil vows and to repent for past sins.

The kavadi bearers were accompanied by the frantic rhythm of traditional drums. Thaipusam marks the birth of Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Each year, thousands of devotees climb up Batu Caves' 272 steps to commemorate the birthday of Lord Muruga, who was given a "vel" (spear) by the Goddess Parvati to vanquish the evil Soorapadman.

The Hindus celebrate this event in the Tamil month of Thai (January to February).

Despite the recent coronavirus outbreak, there were not many spotted donning face masks except for a small number of locals and tourists.

A majority of the crowd took advantage of the festival falling on a Saturday to visit the temple.

When asked, many were not worried and felt the situation in Malaysia was under control and that it did not warrant the wearing of face masks.