There is a substantial Hindu community in Malaysia. Celebrated mostly by the South Indians, the Thaipusam Festival is a major Hindu festival of Malaysia. Though this festival is celebrated all over Malaysia, in Batu Caves and Penang however the festival is best celebrated.
The Thaipusam Festival marks the victory of good over evil. As the mythology goes, the evil demon Soorapadam was slain by the son of Goddess Parvati. Some however celebrate this festival as the birthday of Lord Subramaniam, who is popularly known as Lord Muruga.
Celebrated for three days in January, the Hindus prepare themselves by fasting, praying and ritual cleansing. The festivities start off in kuala Lumpur from Sri Mahamariaman Temple and ends at Batu Caves. The idol of Lord Muruga is decorated with precious stones like diamonds, rubies and grandiose jewellery. The Lord along with his two consorts is placed on bed of roses and their chariot is pulled by two bulls. With hundreds of devotees pulling ropes of the chariot, the 15 km journey from the temple to Batu Caves is covered in around 8 hours.
On reaching the cave, the devotees climb up 272 steps to offer their thanks and ask for forgiveness from the Lord Muruga. As a ritual, honey and milk are offered to the shrine.
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