AIR OF FESTIVITY FILLS BATU CAVES AHEAD OF THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- An air of festivity filled Batu Caves as

thousands of Hindus, tourists and traders thronged the famed Thaipusam spot

today ahead of the festival tomorrow.

Devotees flooded the Sri Subramaniyar Swami Temple as early as 8am, heads

shaven before climbing up 272 steps to the temple, carrying the pal kudam, or

milk pots, to fulfill their vows.

A businessman from Ipoh, Dhilip Kumar, 23, said he was stunned by the beauty

of Batu Caves and the festivity at the location.

"This is my first time to Batu Caves, I did not expect that many Hindus to

come each year. There were thousands today and perhaps by tomorrow the number

will exceed a million," he told Bernama.

Traffic in the area was under control by police and the Federal Reserve

Unit.

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THAIPUSAM-FESTIVITY 2 KUALA LUMPUR

At mid-day, the route to Batu Caves was slow-moving, especially along the

Middle Ring Road II (MRR2), to allow devotees cross the road to the temple.

Karmalanita, 29, a lawyer from Melaka, said she brought a milk pot to be

presented to Lord Murugan as she prayed for the peaceful departure of her

husband, who passed away in an accident in November.

A trader, P Gunaseelan, 59, from Gombak, came with his wife to make a vow

for his child''s successful heart bypass operation on Feb 23.

Also known as Thaipooyam, or Thaippooyam in Malayalam, the festival observes

the birthday of Lord Murugan, as well as commemorating his destruction of an

evil power named Soorapadman.

As in previous years, the festival in Batu Caves attracted thousands of

tourists.

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Martin Nick, 59, an engineer from Denmark said, "This is my first time here,

I''m surprised to see the big statue of Lord Murugan here, the biggest I have

ever seen."

Edvard Lambert, 38, a photographer from Scotland had his head shaved along

with other Hindu devotees in Batu Caves to fulfill his vow to have a daughter

after eight years.

The festival was also an opportunity for traders at the Batu Caves, offering

various items from food to clothes.

-- BERNAMA

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