GEORGE TOWN: Coconut traders who used to see “smashing” business during Thaipusam have been hit hard for the second year in a row as there will not be any coconut-breaking ritual this year.
GEORGE TOWN: Churches and temples are seeing a rush in bookings for weddings and marriage ceremonies until the end of the year after the government eased restrictions for these events from today.
Thursday, 28 Jan 2021 07:01 PM MYT
Police personnel stand guard in front of Batu Caves during Thaipusam January 28, 2021. Picture by Hari Anggara
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KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 ― There has been no violation of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Thaipusam celebration during the enforcement of the movement control order throughout the country so far, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
He said Hindu devotees celebrating Thaipusam complied with the National Security Council’s (MKN) SOP to curb the spread of Covid-19 by not having religious processions.
Wednesday, 27 Jan 2021 09:16 AM MYT
BY OPALYN MOK
Penang Deputy Chief Minister P. Ramasamy (second from right) during a visit to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in George Town January 26, 2021. Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
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GEORGE TOWN, Jan 27 Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy has called on the authorities to take firm action against the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple committee for ignoring state orders and carrying out the Thaipusam silver chariot journey at 3am today.
He accused the Chettiar temple committee of openly defying the state government, the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) and various government agencies that forbade the annual chariot procession for Thaipusam this year due to the current Covid-19 lockdown.
GEORGE TOWN: The Silver Chariot has reached the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple at 6am on Wednesday (Jan 27) after it left the Kovil Veedu on Penang Street at 3.30am.
According to sources, an 11th hour decision was made possible due to the intervention of Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
However, there was no procession but the chariot was accompanied by about 10 people.
Nattukotai Chettiar Temple trustee Dr. A. Narayanan said a last-minute appeal to Saravanan made it possible.
“We thank him and may God bless him,” said Dr Narayanan.
The chariot journey continues an unbroken 164-year tradition, having gone through world wars, the Japanese occupation, the communist insurgency, and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.