Foreign tourists, other races join in Thaipusam celebration

KUALA LUMPUR: An air of festivity prevailed at the Thaipusam celebration today as people from various faiths and races as well as foreign tourists witnessed the religious rituals up close at Hindu temples thronged by Hindu devotees.
Among the tourist attractions are the Sri Subramaniyar Swamy temple in Batu Caves, which impressed them with its atmosphere of vibrant and colourful religious festivity.
A German tourist, Julian Luther, 25, described the Hindu religious rituals which he witnessed for the first time as very unique.
"I'm surprised to see the dedication of the people towards their religion. This also makes me realise how colourful Malaysia is," he said when met by Bernama.
Galina Todorova, 20, from Bulgaria said he had visited various countries but had never seen such an interesting celebration.
"It's magical, nothing like I've seen before. I feel so lucky to have experienced how people celebrate Thaipusam in this country," Galina said.
Another tourist, Michael Losh, 32, from Ukraine said he was impressed with the peaceful ambience here being held without any commotion or chaotic situation.
"Despite it being crowded, I enjoy seeing people taking their time to join the festival," he said.
Irish couple, James and Christina Carter, in their 30s, said their experience at the Batu Caves temple was an eye-opener as they got to see not only the religious aspect of the celebration but also enjoyed the wide array of Malaysian food at the food stalls.
"We're overjoyed to be part of the celebration as we've never experienced anything like this before in our travels abroad," said James, who armed himself with a camera to record proceedings at the temple.
In Johor Baru, people of other religious and racial backgrounds also did not want to miss out the religious festivity at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani temple.
A visitor, Michael Lee, 45, said it was common for Malaysians to celebrate the festivals of other communities together and, thus, foster the spirit of unity among them.
"This is the first time I visited this temple because I wanted to see for myself the celebration being held at this temple, dubbed the 'South Batu Caves,'" he said when met here.
The celebration is also joined by a group of 20 IM4U volunteers, who were tasked to help people with disabilities and senior citizens besides maintaining cleanliness and distributing food and drinks to visitors.
A volunteer, Siti Hajar Isa, 21, said they conducted hygiene activities as well as distribution of food and medical aid. — Bernama