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This year, PDRM estimates that there will be 2,000,000 attendees at the Thaipusam festival happening in Kuala Lumpur. During this event, more than 20 main streets will be closed, and there will be a silver chariot, also known as a ratham, which will carry the Hindu deities Lord Muruga and his consorts Valli and Theivana to Batu Caves Temple.
The chariot will begin its 15-km journey from Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Temple all the way to Batu Cave temple. On the way, it will pass by roads like Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Dang Wangi, and Jalan Tun Razak.
The sequence of routes followed by the chariot will include:
-
- Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Temple
- Jalan Sultan
- Jalan Pudu (Bulatan)
- Jalan Tun Perak
- Lebuh Ampang
- Jalan Ampang
- Jalan Munshi Abdullah
- Jalan Dang Wangi
- Jalan Raja Laut
- Jalan Belia
- Jalan Sri Amar
- Jalan Raja Laut
- Jalan Ipoh
- Jalan Tun Razak (U-turn)
- Jalan Ipoh
- Jalan Ipoh Lama
- Jalan Kuching
- Jalan MRR2
- Batu Caves Temple
Here is the route map:
The chariot procession plays a pivotal role in the Thaipusam festivities. Bearing the deity Lord Murugan, the chariot is a conduit for blessings, protection, and divine grace. Followers will trail the chariot to demonstrate their devotion, seek blessings, and engage in acts of devotion such as carrying their kavadi.
If you’re looking to join in the festivities, here’s the official schedule for this year’s Thaipusam processions:
Official Events Schedule for Thaipusam 2024 Malaysia:
The celebrations will start at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
- 7.00 p.m. – Abhishegam: This sacred ritual involves the cleansing or anointing of a deity’s idol or revered object with a diverse array of ingredients, including milk, water, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood paste. This ceremonial ablution is revered as a symbolic act representing both purification and profound devotion.
- 8.00 p.m. – Special Prayers and Silver Chariot Preparation: In this sacred ritual, devotees partake in unique pooja (prayers) and participate in the activities involved in readying the Silver Chariot, an exquisitely embellished chariot designated for carrying the deities on their journey to the Sri Subramaniar Temple at Batu Caves.
- 9.00 p.m. – Chariot Procession Begins: Embark on a 15-kilometer journey alongside the multitude of devotees, as the adorned Silver Chariot carries Arulmigu Sri Valli, along with Sri Dhevasena and Sri Subramaniar, to Batu Caves. The decorated ratham will stand at the center, encircled by followers bearing palkodam (milk pots) or walking barefoot on the ground, symbolizing their profound devotion.
Wednesday, 24 January 2024
- 3.00 p.m. – Arrival at Batu Caves: Arulmigu Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar will take residence at Swamy Mandapam, blessing devotees.
- 5.30 p.m. – Seval Flag Raising: Tan Sri Datuk Dr. R. Nadarajah, Chairman of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, will raise the sacred Seval Flag, signifying the start of Thaipusam at Batu Caves. This will be followed by Dhevasthanam, the consecration of deities in the temple, officially marking the beginning of the 2024 Thaipusam Celebration.
Thursday, 25 January 2024 – Thaipusam Day
- 7.00 a.m. – Thirthochava Ceremony at Batu Caves River Bank to bless devotees. The Silver Chariot will remain here for the day, while devotees will continue to carry their kavadi/palkodam up the temple’s 272 steps.
Friday, 26 January 2024
- 3:30 p.m. – After special prayers, Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar Swamy will once again be placed on the adorned Silver Chariot. It will commence its return journey to Maha Mariamman Temple, accompanied by devotees.
- 11:59 p.m. – The time at which the Silver Chariot is expected to reach Maha Mariamman Temple. Following the return journey, there will usually be concluding ceremonies, prayers, or special rituals at the temple, marking the conclusion of the Thaipusam celebration.
Considering the considerable number of followers and various stops on the route, the chariot may take around 16 hours or more to complete its journey. On its return, the chariot will follow the exact same route, but reversed.
Whether you’re Malaysian or a tourist, it is highly recommended to go for Thaipusam at least once
The procession is open to everyone, including non-devotees, photographers, tourists, and locals intrigued by the event. We at In Real Life highly recommend experiencing this distinctive cultural spectacle at least once.
While there’s no strict dress code, it’s advisable (though not obligatory) to either start following the chariot from the beginning or join in at its concluding destination. Feel free to bring your own refreshments or explore offerings from vendors along the route.
Temple address:
167, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Temple Hours:
– Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Thursday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
– Saturday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
– Sunday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Monday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For any questions or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 03-2078 3467.
Share this info with your friends who are attending Thaipusam.
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Read also: 4 Easy Ways To See Roaming Spirits During The Hungry Ghost Festival in Malaysia
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