GEORGE TOWN: The three-day state-level Thaipusam celebrations kicked off to a dynamic and colourful start today with the dual chariot procession, a hallmark of Thaipusam in Penang.
Continuing with age-old traditions, the golden and silver chariots took to the streets here early this morning, accompanied by thousands of devotees.
The golden chariot, carrying the vel or spear, left the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen about 5.30am while the silver chariot, carrying the statue of Lord Murugan, departed its Kovil Veedu temple at Penang Street about an hour later.
The dual chariots are expected to reach their destinations at about 11pm.This will be the eighth year the dual chariot procession takes to the streets, after making its first appearance back in 2017.
The Thaipusam procession in Penang began in 1856 and the silver chariot had been in use for about 120 years prior to the introduction of the golden chariot.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer had called this year's calebration the Unity Thaipusam year where both chariots would come together, about 1km apart from one another.
Thousands of devotees, many dressed up in their finest most colourful saris, or wearing orange, the colour of Murugan, followed the chariots by foot along the 6.6km route.
Along the way, tens of thousands others lined the streets to welcome the chariots, breaking coconuts as offerings in its path, a key annual ritual.
Many also offered up platters of fruits.
At some stretches, traditional drummers beat on 'urumi melams' (hour-glassed shaped drums), 'thavils' (barrel-shaped drums), 'jaalras' (clash cymbals) and 'thappus' (round drums) to accompany devotees as they fulfill their vows.
Dr D. Kisheaan, 35, said he felt happy, blessed and thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Thaipusam here in Malaysia, similar as how it is clebrated in India.
"I am from Malaysia but we do have our family members in India.
"So, we feel blessed to celebrate Thaipusam here," he said when met.
Businessman M. Selvendhiraan, said this Thaipusam held extra meaning for him as he would be carrying the 'paal kudam' or milk offering.
"I prayed for my own property and Lord Murugan has given me my property, my wealth and my prosperity.
"Since Lord Murugan has answered my prayers this year, I need to fulfil my vow to him." he said when met.
Selvendhiraan said the Unity Thaipusam celebration this year was a very unique celebration in Penang.
"You can see the very large crowd here and I am happy to be able to be part of it," he added.
Penang is expecting more than one million people for the three-day Thaipusam celebration.
Thaipusam commemorates the day when, according to Hindu belief, the goddess Pavarthi gave Lord Muruga a lance to slay evil demons.
Tomorrow, there will be approximately hundreds of thousands of kavadi bearers and milk pot carriers making their way to the temple.
The dual chariots' return journey will be on Friday.
A total of 1,289 police officers and personnel have been mobilised to ensure public safety as well as smooth traffic flow throughout celebrations.