"Livelier Than Ever" – Batu Caves Is Expecting 1,600,000 Visitors This Thaipusam
The celebration is receiving plenty of logistical support from both the government sector, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
By Deborah Chan — 02 Feb 2023, 01:17 PM
Thaipusam celebrations are predicted to be livelier this year as over one million Hindus are gearing up to commemorate the religious event
Selangor Special Committee for Non-Islamic Affairs co-chairperson V Ganabatirau said this will be due to the modest celebrations over the past three years that followed strict COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).
"We expect the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves to attract about a million visitors consisting of Hindus, locals, and tourists," said the co-chairperson when contacted by Bernama.
"Two other locations that are also in the spotlight in Selangor are the Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple in Kerling, and the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Kuala Selangor, with visitors expected to number between 20,000 and 50,000 people, respectively."
Thaipusam falls on Sunday, 5 February, this year. The celebrations nationwide will go on from Saturday, 4 February, to Monday, 6 February.
According to New Straits Times, the procession at Batu Caves is to begin at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 10pm, on 4 February, and arrive at Batu Caves at 3pm, on 5 February.
The return journey of the chariot procession from Batu Caves to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, is expected to be from 3.30pm to 11.59pm on 6 February.
Ganabatirau, who is the Klang member of parliament (MP), has advised visitors to wear face masks, and announced that the state government will be setting up a tent at the Batu Caves temple to distribute free food and drinks to visitors who are planning to spend their entire evening at the temple, on Saturday.
He also added that the sale of liquor around the premise will not be allowed and that the police will take action against those who fail to comply.
The temple's committee will be receiving plenty of logistical support from both the government sector, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure smooth celebrations
According to the New Straits Times, the temple committee's secretary, C Sethupathy said that the logistical preparations are almost complete, with help from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM), Malaysian Red Crescent (BSMM), and many other local organisations.
"Thaipusam is being celebrated on a grand scale after the height of COVID-19 SOP restrictions in the past two years. Now, people will once again see the full celebration and chariot procession," said the secretary.
He said that the temple committee will also be assisted by about 1,000 Ministry of Health staff and personnel, and over 500 volunteers will be on duty to assist the visitors throughout the event.
According to Bernama, KTM will also be offering 24-hour train services for three days starting Saturday, to aid the celebrations.
