Smaller crowd at Batu Caves this year

KUALA LUMPUR: The sounds of "urumi melam" and folk beat music which can be heard from a distance are keeping the festive mood high in Batu Caves.
This is despite the much smaller crowd estimated at 100,000 visitors for Thaipusam this year compared to about a million visitors during the previous two celebrations.
The low number of devotees and visitors has been attributed to the lunar eclipse which will occur later today.
Devotees have been reportedly making their way to Batu Caves, carrying "paal kudam" and "kavadi" for the past three days to fulfil their vows and give offerings earlier.
Thaipusam is celebrated in honour of deity Muruga, who represents virtue, youth and power.
It falls on the full-moon day of the Tamil month of Thai.
Besides the religious obligation, Batu Caves is also a heritage site which has become an attraction for tourists and Malaysia's multiracial population.
A 125m high natural waterfall which runs parallel to the 272 steps at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple is another attraction since last year.
Stalls selling local delicacies, Indian desserts and snacks, Indian traditional clothes, accessories and kitchen utensils have also been set up for visitors to Batu Caves.
The stalls will remain open till the end of the week.