February 5, 2023 is very unique as two celebrations fall of this auspicious day – Thaipusam and Chap Goh Mei.
As the Indian community fulfill their vows by carrying kavadis and offer milk to Lord Muruga at the Kuil Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, the Chinese community celebrate Chap Goh Mei.
Penang State Exco YB Jagdeep Singh Deo’s younger brother Mankarpal also fulfilled his vows by carrying 126 pots carrying “vibhuti” or holy ash to the hill temple top.
In lending support at the celebrations, Jagdeep accompanied his brother at the temple and greeted other devotees and tourists.
A sea of people were seen on the roads leafing to the Waterfall temple. Numerous stalls were also seen distributing free drinks and food to devotees.
He also thanked the various government personnel on duty like the police, health services, RELA and other departments at the celebration.
“I also wish everyone a very blessed Happy Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh. Thanks to our frontliners from all agencies such as PDRM for their hard work to make the festivities smooth,” said Jagdeep.
Many members from the Chinese community also participated in carrying milk pots to the temple clad in the holy yellow clothes.
This is the unique and harmonious society in Malaysia.
Yesterday, YB Jagdeep also received both the Silver and Gold Chariots at his service centre at Datok Keramat.
“We must and always will be a caring nation for all communities, religions and races,” stressed YB Jagdeep.
In the meantime, some 2,500 devotees of the annual Thaipusam chariot procession visited the thaneer panthal (refreshment stall) set up by Sunway Hotel Georgetown and Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya at Jalan Dato Keramat,
Staff members of the hotels were seen serving free food in conjunction of the Thaipusam festival. An orderly line was seen buzzing around the tent patiently queuing for the food, which included rice, potato peratal, pumpkin, and assorted gravies prepared by Sunway Hotel. Hotel staff were seen dressed in traditional clothing and happily serving the guests, who were visibly enjoying the food.
The hotel’s general manager Prakash Kumaran said that the occasion was a highly anticipated team collaboration event between the two hotels, especially after two years of slowdown due to the pandemic.
“The staff were looking forward to serving their community especially during this festival.
“As part of the Sunway Group, we always wanted to give back to the society. It was truly a team effort as our staff came together, spending their time in setting up this stall and in preparing the food and drinks. Before the pandemic, we participated in the event annually. This is also in line with Sunway Group’s commitment in supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2,” he added. Also present were staff from both hotels in assisting to prepare the hotel’s offerings and obtain sacred ashes for their well-being,” said Prakash.
