KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, February 4, 2009: Devotees carrying milk pots (paal kudam) for Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniaswamy Temple at Batu Caves will pay less this year. The temple committee has reduced the fee in view of the economic downturn. With the festival falling on Sunday this year–and with Monday a public holiday–committee members expect good attendance. Last year, many stayed away as a gesture of protest.
Preparations were in full swing yesterday, with workers cleaning the temple and surroundings and putting up lights. Stalls selling colorful traditional Indian sweets, flowers and other items were also being set up. Flower stall operator R. Kanniammah, 60, said devotees had been coming since Sunday to perform prayers and make vows. “Many also came on Monday, which was a public holiday for all the Federal Territories, to avoid the crowd.”