HINDU DEVOTEES, TOURISTS THRONG BATU CAVES FOR THAIPUSAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Thousands of Hindu devotees thronged Batu Caves, the focal point of the Thaipusam festival today, where they were joined by a score of local and foreign tourists.

A check by Bernama around the Sri Subramaniam Devasthanam and Kuil Sri Subramaniyar Swami temples found massive crowds standing close as the kavadi procession marched by this morning.

In IPOH, more than 20,000 Hindu devotees have thronged the Arul Subramaniar temple, located at the Gunung Cheruh limestone hill near Medan Istana, since yesterday evening.

Various events were held, including a procession, with devotees carrying the statue of Lord Murugan from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Sungai Pari.

There was a carnival-like atmosphere at the Arul Subramaniar temple, with colourful stalls set up to sell clothing, toys and food. There were also stalls providing free drinks.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir was at the temple and mingled with the devotees.

In JOHOR BAHARU, thousands of kavadi carriers took part in processions in various parts of the state, including at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani temple in Jalan Kuel in Johor Baharu, Sri Bala Subramaniar Kovil temple in Batu 10 in Skudai and at the Kuil Sri Subramaniam Paripalana Saba temple in Masai.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who was at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani temple called on the Indian community to continue supporting Barisan Nasional to ensure continuous development in the country.

"Place your trust in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and BN," he said, adding that the prime minister cares for the people of various races.

In GEORGE TOWN, more than 100,000 Hindus and tourists were at Jalan Kebun Bunga to smash coconuts in conjuction with Thaipusam.

A check by Bernama found the road heading towards the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani temple was flooded with visitors watching the procession of chariots and kavadi.

Penang PPP chief Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan, who joined the Penang BN working committee on a walkabout in the area, said the annual activitiy by the state BN demonstrated unity among BN component parties.

"People from all over the country come here and the number is increasing every year. This shows that Penang is a popular spot to celebrate the festival," he added.