Muralikrishnaa also shared the same thought, adding that the kavadi is probably the most beautiful part of the whole celebration. I think the government should consider the importance of kavadi, and allow certain numbers of them to happen,” she said. “The cancellation of kavadi is actually quite sad because I'm sure lots of Hindu’s have made vows and could not fulfil it. So, just imagine those who have committed themselves to their vows, now they are left hanging,” she said. People make their vows, and they go through a month of fasting and to fulfil their vows, they need to carry the kavadi. “ kavadi is actually a major part of Thaipusam. However, she said that the last minute banning of kavadi processions was an ill-made decision, suggesting that the government should have better understood the importance of the kavadi. They can increase it slightly when Covid-19 is gone but it depends on the situation,” she added. “I think they should actually control this way of moving forward for Thaipusam. Kavitha added that the crowd control SOPs should actually be the way forward and implemented in the years to come. So to me, it was a very good experience this year compared to the years before,” she told Malay Mail. “I was initially sceptical about the SOPs because I thought it would be very tight, but then I managed to get all my prayers done within the hour with these SOPs. Picture by Hari Anggaraįor 43-year-old Kavitha Nadesan, who works in the oil and gas industry, she was initially cynical about the SOPs announced by the government, but found herself surprised by the ease for those who have come to do their prayers at the holy grounds. Hindu devotees observe standard operating procedures during Thaipusam at Batu Caves January 18, 2022. We have to be concerned about everyone’s safety,” he said to Malay Mail. “We cannot be selfish ― even though this day is very important to Hindus. “If that’s what the government agencies and MoH think is best (the SOPs), I feel it’s the right decision because they are always putting our safety first. Even though it's much more sombre ― as last time you had the urumi, the drums and massive celebrations ― but the vibe and energy is still there. They started this very good SOP, it’s very organised. “I want to give props to the Health Ministry and the government. Laveena’s brother, Vinod, who owns his own business dealing with insurance, gave a big thumbs up to the Health Ministry and other government agencies involved in ensuring that this auspicious day goes off without a hitch and making sure everyone is safe amid Covid-19 Omicron fears. There is a nice balance to it,” the 25-year-old said. You can go around at your own pace and take in the space and freedom. This time around, devotees are more focused. “When it’s crowded, you get pushed around a lot. His only message to the government is allow prayers to be held continuously throughout the three days, which would give more Hindus in the country a chance to visit and pray at the temples during this auspicious time.Īnother worshipper Laveena Jayabarathi ― who attended prayers with her family, as they do every year ― shared similar sentiments with Muralikrishnaa. He said that unlike in his hometown, where Thaipusam is celebrated in a big open space, the cramped and crowded Batu Caves would only cause more trouble should these SOPs were not put in place. This SOPs is a good thing,” he told Malay Mail. “I like the SOPs ― and because they organised it into sessions, there are no rushed feelings. “It's much more quiet, so spiritually, you feel better because sometimes the glaring noise can be very distracting. Picture by Hari Anggaraįor Muralikrishnaa Gopalakrishnan, a sound engineer hailing from Penang, the smaller crowd meant less noise and distraction, allowing him and his family to fully immerse themselves in their prayers.
Hindu devotees carry offerings on their heads at Batu Caves during Thaipusam January 18, 2022. However, it was still a quieter and more subdued sight when compared to the hundreds of thousands who used to throng the temple complex in the pre-pandemic years.ĭespite the reduced numbers and regulations in place to check the spread of the coronavirus, many devotees at the Batu Caves temple complex welcomed the government SOPs and said the atmosphere made them feel closer to God. The sounds from the tavil (Indian drum) and nadaswaram (Indian trumpets) accompanied the devotees carrying their milk offerings up the colourful stairs to Lord Muruga and chanting “ Vel Vel Muruga” or “ Kandanukku Arogara” lent an air of festivity as the sun rose among the limestone hills. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 ― Hundreds of Hindu devotees marked Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves here this morning even the thread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant loomed large. Hindu devotees throng Batu Caves during Thaipusam January 18, 2022.
0 kommentar(er)
