Ipoh braces for 300,000 devotees for Thaipusam

Ipoh is set to witness a grand celebration of Thaipusam, with over 300,000 Hindu devotees and international tourists expected to gather at the historic Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh on January 25.

The event, steeped in tradition and spirituality, will see devotees engaging in religious rituals and fulfilling vows at the more than century-old temple.

300,000 devotees to converge in Ipoh 

A. Sivanesan, the chairman of the State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration Committee, expressed anticipation for the vibrant celebration.

He stated, “A total of 1,000 Hindu devotees will be involved in the procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Sungai Pari, Buntong, to the temple in Gunung Cheroh.”

The procession, set to commence on Wednesday night, will include 400 devotees with various kavadis, adding a colourful and spiritual dimension to the festivities.

In preparation for the event, food distribution along Jalan Raja Musa Aziz will begin from Wednesday and continue until Thursday.

Approximately 300 stalls have been erected to cater to the needs of the attendees. Stringent security measures have been put in place, with personnel from various security agencies deployed along the procession route and around the temple.

Stringent measures in place for grand celebration

A key decision from the Thaipusam Celebration Coordination Committee Meeting was the prohibition of certain activities to maintain order and sanctity during the celebration.

A. Sivanesan emphasised, “The public is not allowed to bring or consume alcoholic beverages, get drunk, set off fireworks, or dance inside or outside the temple area.” Strict actions will be taken against individuals found violating these regulations.

In addition to managing the Thaipusam celebrations, A. Sivanesan provided advice to 600 temples in Perak, urging them to enhance security by installing closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) on their premises.

This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of temple premises and prevent untoward incidents.

As Thaipusam approaches, Ipoh is poised to welcome a large congregation of devotees and visitors seeking to participate in the auspicious celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Temple.

The rich traditions and cultural significance of Thaipusam will be on full display, with devotees expressing their faith through rituals and processions.

The coordinated efforts of the authorities and the temple committee aim to create a safe and spiritually fulfilling environment for all participants.