The Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple in Gajah Berang, Melaka, was flooded with thousands of devotees yesterday as they celebrated the annual Dato Chachar festival.
Dato Chachar, also known as Megamey or Mengamay, is the biggest Hindu event of the year in Melaka and a major celebration among the Chitty diaspora, who are currently spread over Malaysia and Singapore.
The festival is named after the Goddess Mariamman, believed to cure ailments such as chickenpox, known as Chachar in Malay. It is one of two unique festivals of the Chitty Community.