GEORGE TOWN – Full Thaipusam festivities returned to Malaysia on Saturday after two years of muted celebrations, with devotees lining the streets to witness the processions.

In Penang, the signature golden and silver chariots inched their way through various roads on the island before reaching their respective temples along Jalan Kebun Bunga.

Dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Lord Muruga, Thaipusam is a time of repentance for devotees through penance and prayers.

Mr R. Sivarataman, 42, arrived in Penang with his wife and two children from Langkawi, Kedah, to celebrate Thaipusam with some of his family members from Kelantan.

“We are looking forward to celebrating Thaipusam this year and had booked our flight tickets here in December,” he told Bernama on Saturday.

Apart from Penang, celebrations also took place at Hindu temples in other states such as Johor and Perak.

Some roads in Kuala Lumpur were closed with over 300,000 visitors expected to throng Batu Caves, just north of the capital city, to bask in the festivities. Batu Caves is a heritage site known for its Hindu temples and shrines.

Hindu devotees in Malaysia were not able to celebrate Thaipusam for the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.

However, this year’s festivities were accompanied by wet weather.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast rain across much of the country this weekend.

Thunderstorms are also expected in several areas, according to a report by the Bernama news agency.

A statement by MetMalaysia said wet weather is expected in one or two areas in states such as Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu.

Some eastern parts of the southern state of Johor will experience similar conditions as well.

Heavy rain or thunderstorms are also expected in one or two locations in states like Penang, Pahang and Sabah. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK