GEORGE TOWN: The annual three-day Thaipusam celebration kicked off to a lively start in Penang with dual chariot processions bearing Lord Muruga.
This is the fourth consecutive year involving the golden and silver chariot processions.
This year, a new golden chariot as big as the 164-year-old silver chariot at 7.3m and specially made in Tamil Nadu, India, made its maiden journey.
The chariot left at 6am from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street, pulled by devotees, to the Waterfall Hilltop Murugan Temple.
The golden chariot, which was used for Thaipusam last year measuring 5.9m was used within the hilltop temple compounds.
The silver chariot procession started its journey from its Kovil Veedu temple in Lebuh Penang pulled by bulls.
Thousands of devotees followed the chariots by foot along its route to the Waterfall Hilltop Murugan Temple.
Among them was a devotee, who only wanted to be known as Lim, 40, bringing the "archenai", a tray filled with fruits, flowers and coconuts, to be offered to Lord Muruga.
"I have been doing this for more than 20 years. Besides following the chariot, I will also be going to the Waiterfall Hilltop Murugan Temple about 1am tomorrow to pray.
"I want to give thanks for being granted with good health, my career and wealth," the insurance agent said.
Lim said every year his friends and he would sponsor vegetarian meals for some 1,000 devotees.
Along the way, tens of thousands lined the streets to welcome the chariots, breaking coconuts as offerings, a key annual ritual. Many also offered platters of fruits.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his Thaipusam message, said the annual Thaipusam celebration marked an important event in the state's calender, and was celebrated on a grand scale.
"This Thaipusam celebration is a manifestation of the religious freedom and unity, tolerance, mutual understanding and harmony that exists between the different races in the state.
"And this is very much in line with the Penang2030 Vision," he said.
Chow also urged the multi-racial community to stay united and reject racial politics.
“Of late, some parties have been playing racial politics, and as such, we hope that everyone will be matured and will not be easily influenced by these racially-based political games which can destroy our harmony and unity,” he said.
According to Hindu belief, Thaipusam commemorates the day when goddess Parvathi gave her son Lord Muruga a lance to slay evil demons.
Tomorrow, there will be hundreds of kavadi bearers and tens of thousands of milk pot carriers making their way to the temple.
The chariots' return journey will be on Sunday.
This year’s Thaipusam celebration and Chap Goh Mei, the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year, coincides tomorrow.
The Chap Goh Mei is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
These two celebrations are expected to attract over 1.3 million people to the state.