Grand start at Batu Caves

KUALA LUMPUR: Although Thaipusam is on Thursday, Batu Caves was a busy place as devotees thronged the Sri Subramaniam temple complex to fulfil vows to Lord Subramaniam. The sound of drums filled the air as devotees streamed in clad in yellow, while carrying pots of milk and kavadi, and climbed up the 272 steps to the main temple. Malini Devi Chandra Mohan, 34, fulfilled her vow with her family here yesterday.

Early birds: Hindu devotees making use of the weekend to visit the Sri Subramaniam temple complex ahead of Thaipusam at Batu Caves. — AZLINA ABDULLAH / The Star

“My son Prasath has anaemia and our family has been coming here every year to pray for his health. Since we came here, he has not fallen sick,” said Malini, who together with family members had shaved their heads as an act of devotion. “We come early every year to avoid the Thaipusam crowd,” she said. Sisters Kavithira and Diviyasheni Kumaran were among those who decided to avoid the throng on Thursday. “We are here to give thanks because we did well in the PMR and UPSR examinations last year,” said Kavithira, 16 and Diviyasheni, 13.

Dr Kumar Rajah of the Batu Caves committee said they estimated 100,000 people had come yesterday. He said they were expecting 1.3 million people on Thaipusam. “Thaipusam has turned into a festivity, with celebrations lasting about 10 days. To accommodate more people, we have set up fewer stalls,” he said.

Precious cargo: Devotees carrying their baby as a show of thanks for the blessing at Batu Caves yesterday.

He said that the Malaysian Red Crescent, St John Ambulance and the Selayang Hospital would set up medical hubs in the temple.

-thestar online.