Author: Sushma Veera
Publication: The New Straits Times
Date: January 29, 2004
URL: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/MM/Thursday/National/20040129114150
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Committee
is advising kavadi bearers for the Thaipusam festival on Feb 5 to maintain
it as a religious festival and not a fun party.
Temple chairman R. Nadarajah said
"kavadi" bearers are banned from having "vel" (spears) of more than one
metre (three feet) pierced through their cheeks in fulfillment of their
vows to the deity, Lord Subramaniam.
"The temple authorities would not
allow "kavadi" bearers to engage in the dangerous acts of standing or walking
on the cutting edge of parangs or knives or other sharp objects, he said.
Devotees would also not be allowed
to lash whips or smoke cheroot while fulfilling their vows.
"The management has received complaints
that some people carrying the kavadi are making a religious mockery of
themselves like smearing the red kum-kum (vermillion powder) on the tongue."
He said many youngsters had started turning the annual religious festival
into a fun party and did not properly observe the fast and meditation.
"Those who breach the rules will
be stopped by the policemen at the main entrance of the temple. The committee
will also not hesitate to splash water on those who have kum-kum on their
face," said Nadarajah, adding that this is giving the wrong idea to the
tourists and non-Hindus.
He said only traditional Indian
musical instruments like the "thavil', "nadaswaram', "udukai' and "melam'
would be allowed. Bongos or any other foreign instruments are strictly
prohibited.
"No vehicles will be allowed to
enter the compound to avoid congestion." He advised those going to the
Thaipusam festival to use bus or train services to avoid parking problems
and urged devotees to refrain from carrying excess money and flaunting
their jewellery.
Devotees will also be able to watch
the festival from a giant 6 feet by 8 feet screen at the temple ground.
The Malay Mail and New Straits Times
are also putting up booths opposite the temple"s management office.
"Unlike last year, we have reduced
the number of stalls to 500. We want to provide more space for devotees
to move around," said Nadarajah.
About 1.5 million people are expected
at the three-day festival.
Thaipusam, which falls in the month
of "Thai", which is the 10th month in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated
between January and February as a homage to Lord Muruga who is the embodiment
of virtue, valour, youth, beauty and power.
