Thaipusam Silver & Gold Chariot Procession To Batu Caves

Lord Muragan leaves the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown for the Batu Caves.

Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). It is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa etc. On the first day of Thaipusam, there is a procession leaving at 10PM from a the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown along the streets of Kuala Lumpur led by a chariot that presents a statue of Lord Muragan. On the second day, there is a long barefoot walk to the Batu Caves for the purpose of vow fulfilment.

The walk to the Batu Caves is generally the most popular element of the celebration. During the pilgrimage, some devotees will carry large milk pots and ornate frames (kavadi). The kavadi are supported by a series of spikes that laterally pierce the skin of their chest and backs as a symbol of penance.

Upon reaching the caves, devotees are greeted by a 42.7 m statue of Lord Muragan. They will then climb a large staircase into the limestone caves, where shrines awaiting offerings are enclosed in the caverns.

Traditionally, participants in the festival will offer Lord Muragan their gifts in the form of orange and yellow flowers and fruits while wearing similarly-coloured clothing. There are multiple offerings made to a great number of many different shrines, though the Batu Caves hold the most popular shrines of all.