Devotees break coconuts and offer flowers as chariot moves on

GEORGE TOWN: Many streets here were littered with smashed coconuts as thousands of devotees gathered along the route of the silver chariot procession to fulfil their vows during the annual Thaipusam celebration.

Watched by tourists, the devotees also offered flowers, perfumed joss sticks, fruits and other items to Lord Muruga as the chariot bearing the deity's image inched its way along crowded streets. Many other tourists lined the streets to take in the sights and sounds.

Spotted among the crowd was K. Karthikejan, 35, a businessman, who sought divine blessing from Lord Muruga to protect his family. He also prayed for his business to thrive. Karthikejan and his wife G. Bawani, 32, a staff nurse, were also blessed with a baby girl, K. Puspitha, who was delivered two month s ago.

Americans Guston S. Rankin, 24, Nicole Elise Walter, 22, and her boyfriend Forrest T. Harrison, 25, said they were amazed to see so many people in traditional clothes with different beliefs coming together. Also present were the Ng family and Ooi family from Alor Setar. Totalling 10 people, the Oois broke 111 coconuts and prayed for good health, better business and success in the ir careers.

Administrative executive Ng Tze Swing, 28, said the number 111 was chosen so that their wish of being number one in their endeavours would come true. “We prayed to be the first to be promoted in our career, to get a good bonus and for our family members to be healthy.” Businesswoman Chew Choon Ghee, 37, prayed for her daughter Chew Tze Honng, 12, to get 7A' s in the UPSR.

Earlier, the 117-year-old silver chariot left the Kovil Veedu (temple house) in Penang Street at about 6.40am to make its way to the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple in Waterfall Road. The chariot, pulled by two white bulls, with devotional songs blasting from speakers, moved along Penang Street, Chulia Street, Chulia Street Ghaut, Victoria Street, Prangin Street Ghout, C.Y. Choy Street, Magazine Road, Datuk Keramat Road, Irving Road and Jalan Utama, and ended at Jalan Kebun Bunga.

-thestar online.