KUCHING: About 30 Hindus held a procession around Kuching in conjunction with Thaipusam Day which fell today.
Beginning at 7 in the morning at the Satok Bridge near the PETRONAS gas station, the procession went all he way to the Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple.
The 4km procession saw devotees carrying Kavadi and Paalkudam (milk in pots) until they reached the temple.
Following the procession, there were also various religious events held here including prayer ceremonies and so on.
The procession and activities held in conjunction with the Thaipusam.
Although the Thaipusam is usually celebrated by Hindus, other races were also seen celebrating the festivity here.
It is understood that intermarriages have made the people, which are family members, to celebrate together as well as joining friends and others in the celebration.
As such, Hindu Temple Association President V. Sahundaraju said the programme held here was open to all regardless of their racial and religious backgrounds.
“Anyone is allowed to participate in this joyous celebration. However, we do not encourage those (women) who are unclean to attend this ceremony.
“But all in all, today’s celebration programme went smoothly and the parade ended around 11 am,” he said when met.
Meanwhile, one of the devotees, Toulsimani Lachiminen, said that 99 per cent of the individuals present today were from Kuching while the other one per cent comprised those working around Kuching, married to the locals here and others.
Having said that, he expressed his pride in seeing the community’s close relationship with one another and the strong unity that exists.
“We can see that the unity that we have here has existed since time long before through the celebration of various festivities in Sarawak,” he said.
On the other hand, Erna Eilyana Nabilla, who was met here, revealed that she attends the Thaipusam celebration every year.
“I attend this celebration here because our family is one of the devotees.
“For me being here proves that the celebration is not limited to Hindus only, but other religions can also participate in honouring and celebrating this festivity,” she said.-NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE
