PENANG, MALAYSIA, January 22, 2026 (SAYS): With Thaipusam less than two weeks away, Penang is preparing to once again become a focal point for one of Malaysia’s largest Hindu religious gatherings. More than one million devotees are expected to throng the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga, popularly known as Thaneer Malai, for Thaipusam on 1 February 2026. To manage the massive influx, the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (LWHPP) told Bernama that preparations this year are focused on safety, comfort, and smoother crowd movement around the hilltop temple. Thaipusam celebrations in Penang begin a day earlier with Chetti Pusam. It’s a procession by the Chettiar community featuring peacock kavadis accompanied by the silver chariot. Since 2017, the festivities have also included a golden chariot bearing the Vel, the sacred spear of Lord Murugan. Both chariots will depart at the same time between 5am and 5.30am, with the silver chariot leaving from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple and the gold chariot departing from the Maha Mariamman Temple on Queen Street.

Between 250 and 300 volunteers will be deployed throughout the celebration period, including temple youth teams stationed at upper and lower temple areas, and a special unit assigned to monitor incidents involving kavadis. A key change this year is a special permit system for devotees carrying Ratham Kavadis. Ratham kavadis are large kavadis resembling small carts that are usually pulled by several individuals. In an interview with Bernama, LWHPP chairman RSN Rayer said the system is meant to regulate arrival times and prevent dangerous congestion, especially during peak hours at night. “We are trying to ensure that they do not arrive at the same time. Last year, when several Ratham Kavadis entered between 7pm and 8pm, the congestion was so severe that it resulted in a complete gridlock,” he said. To ease congestion on the main day, LWHPP is encouraging senior citizens, the chronically ill, and persons with disabilities to perform their prayers and vows earlier, preferably a week before Thaipusam. According to Rayer, this approach is intended to allow these groups to worship in a safer and more comfortable environment.

https://says.com/my/news/penang-gears-up-for-thaipusam-2026-with-new-kavadi-permit-system-and-tighter-crowd-control

Post Views: 1,046