Two chariots for Thaipusam procession to Batu Caves

PETALING JAYA: Thousands are expected to attend the annual Thaipusam celebration tomorrow, that will feature two chariots in a procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in the city to the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves.
Temple chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah said a 6.7m golden chariot, that was specially made for the "Vinayagar Chathurthi" festival last year at a cost of RM5 million, would be used for the procession.
The golden chariot will be carrying an idol of Lord Vinayagar while the silver chariot will feature idols of Lord Muruga and his two consorts, Valli and Theivana.
In Penang, devotees are expected to throng the Waterfall Hilltop Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga to pay homage to Lord Muruga in a three-day celebration.
A 124-year-old silver chariot bearing the statue of Lord Muruga will make a journey from the Kovil Veedu (temple house) in Lebuh Penang to the hilltop temple.
Another golden chariot carrying the "vel" (spear of Lord Muruga), which was introduced by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board last year, will make its way to the hilltop temple from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Lebuh Queen.
The processions will proceed despite the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) urging Hindu temples against remaining open or performing rites during the hours of the lunar eclipse on Thaipusam Day on Jan 31, saying it clashed with Hindu beliefs.
MHS president Datuk R. S. Mohan Shan said Hindu communities all over the world had always observed this belief due to the negative impact of the eclipse on them.
"Usually, temples will not open during the eclipse and Hindus are also not encouraged to leave their houses for fear of the negative vibes during the phenomenon."
Mohan Shan was commenting on the decision by Nadarajah to proceed with religious ceremonies.
The eclipse is expected to occur from 7.48pm to 11.11pm on Jan 31.