KK and Labuan Hindus celebrate Thaipusam
Published on: Thursday, February 01, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Some 400 Hindu devotees turned up at the Sri Subramaniam Temple at Lok Kawi near here, Wednesday, to celebrate Thaipusam.Thaipusam is observed by Hindus all over the world in the month of "Thai" in the Tamil calendar to commemorate the act of Goddess Parvathi presenting the "vel" (lance} to her son Lord Muruga as an embodiment of her "shakti" or power to vanquish the evil Soorapadman and restore peace and wellbeing.Various activities were lined up for the occasion, including some carrying well-decorated "kavadi", specifically the "Paal Kudam" bearing pots of milk as an offering to Lord Muruga to fulfil their vows.
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Several devotees also took part in a ritual of shaving their heads bald as an act of plea to the deity. Not only men but also women and infants may partake in the ritual, in which their scalp will first be rubbed with yellow turmeric before shaving to prevent irritation or infection.During the celebration, Sabah Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Chairman Datuk V. Jothi, on behalf of MIC President Datuk Seri Subramaniam Sathasivam, also presented a RM50,000 contribution from the Federal Government to the temple's President, Raman Anthony, for the temple's renovation.Jothi said the construction was 70 per cent done and expected to be completed in May this year, adding that the "Maha Kumbhabishegam" – a consecration ceremony that is held once every 12 years – will be held after its completion.
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"Apart from this donation from the Federal Government, we also receive funding from the State Government every year."This shows the Government's concern for the welfare of Hindu devotees in the State even though we are a minority here. The Government has been paying attention to our welfare," he said, adding the Sri Subramaniam Temple is one of five Hindu temples in Sabah, with the rest in Bukit Padang, Kota Belud, Sandakan and Tawau.
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Jothi encouraged the Hindu community in Sabah to support the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, which he said was the reason why they were able to celebrate such religious activities in peace."This is because the BN, especially Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, is concerned about the welfare of all races in the State.Also present was the temple's secretary Yogesvaran Muniandy. Meanwhile, in LABUAN, Hindus devotees also celebrated Thaipusam, with several of them carrying the 'kavadi' from the Tiara beach to the Thirumugan Temple.About 200 people gathered as early as 6am at the beach and several of them carried elaborately-decorated kavadi and walked in a procession over a 3km route to the temple.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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