Check out one of Kuala Lumpur’s most spectacular and spiritually vibrant celebrations! This year on 11th February, Thaipusam is already underway with an estimated 2,000,000 attendees flocking to the streets of KL.
As always, the showstopper of the celebration is the Silver Chariot, known as the ratham, as it carries Lord Murugan and his divine consorts, Valli and Theivana, on an epic 15-kilometer journey to Batu Caves Temple.
With more than 20 main roads closed, the streets have come alive with the sights, sounds, and excitement of this grand procession, which includes street closures and an endless stream of devotees, fervently following the chariot to receive blessings.
If you’re planning to join in, there’s still time to catch the return journey on Wednesday 3pm. Let’s dive into the route and the schedule so you can be a part of this extraordinary event!
The Chariot’s Journey: A Sacred 15km Pilgrimage
On Sunday 9th February at 9pm, the Silver Chariot began its sacred pilgrimage from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, winding its way through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, passing by iconic streets like Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Dang Wangi, and Jalan Tun Razak, before finally reaching the awe-inspiring Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.
Check out the route for the procession:
- Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
- Jalan Sultan
- Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
- Jalan Pudu
- Jalan Tun Perak
- Jalan Lebuh Ampang
- Jalan Ampang
- Jalan Munshi Abdullah
- Jalan Dang Wangi
- Jalan Raja Laut
- Jalan Belia
- Jalan Sri Amar
- Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah
- Jalan Tun Razak
- Jalan Perhentian
- Jalan Ipoh Lama (Batu Lima)
- Jalan Kepong Baru
Official Events Schedule for Thaipusam 2025:
The celebration kicked off at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, where devotees and visitors alike experienced a vibrant mix of sacred rituals and festive cheer.
Here’s a look at the schedule for this year’s epic procession:
Sunday, 9 January 2024
- 7.00 p.m. – Abhishegam: A cleansing ritual where the idol of the deity was anointed with sacred ingredients like milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood paste symbolizing purification and devotion.
- 8.00 p.m. – Special Prayers and Silver Chariot Preparation: Devotees partook in unique pooja (prayers) and prepare the Silver Chariot.
- 9.00 p.m. – Chariot Procession Begins: The chariot began its 15-kilometer journey alongside a multitude of devotees.
Monday, 10 January 2024
- 3.00 p.m. – Arrival at Batu Caves: Arulmigu Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar have taken residence at Swamy Mandapam, blessing devotees.
- 5.30 p.m. – Seval Flag Raising: The sacred Seval Flag has been raised, marking the official start of the Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves. This will be followed by Dhevasthanam, the consecration of deities in the temple.
Tuesday, 11 January 2025 – Thaipusam Day!
- 7.00 a.m. – Thirthochava Ceremony: The Silver Chariot will remain here for the day, while devotees continue their spiritual journey, climbing the 272 steps while carrying their kavadi or milk pots.
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
- 3:00 p.m. – Return Journey: The Silver Chariot will be prepared for its return journey to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, as Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar Swamy will once again be placed on it.
- 11:59 p.m. – The Silver Chariot will reach the temple, marking the grand conclusion of this year’s Thaipusam celebrations.
With the huge number of followers and stops on the route, the procession usually takes around 16 hours to complete the first half of its journey. On its return, the chariot will follow the exact same route, just reversed.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khana, a total of 1,306 police personnel were deployed to ensure public safety throughout the Thaipusam celebration.
The Heart of Thaipusam: The Silver Chariot Procession
Image source: NST
The Silver Chariot is an exquisitely embellished chariot which carries the deities Arulmigu Sri Valli, along with Sri Dhevasena and Sri Subramaniar, on their journey to the Sri Subramaniar Temple at Batu Caves.
Thousands of devotees dressed in auspicious yellow and orange clothes follow the chariot, seeking blessings and carrying their kavadi. The Kavadi is a symbolic offering that devotees carry to fulfill their vows or desires, such as success in business endeavors, to be blessed with children, or for those seeking relief from ailments. Some devotees make vows to carry the Kavadi for one, three, or five years in succession.
The way the Kavadi is carried varies, from the simple act of carrying a milk pot (palkodam) to more extreme forms of devotion where devotees pierce their tongues, cheeks, or skin with Vel skewers (metal rods). Once the piercing is done, the wounds are treated with hot ash as part of the ritual.
Whether you’re Malaysian or a tourist, we at In Real Life highly recommend experiencing Thaipusam.
Image source: NST
Thaipusam is an event that is open to everyone regardless of race or creed. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Dress Comfortably: There’s no strict dress code, but keep it practical. If you’re planning to follow the chariot or take part in the celebrations, wear comfortable shoes — and prepare for a lot of walking!
- Pack Snacks & Water: Bring some refreshments or enjoy the offerings from vendors along the route. You’ll need some energy for this grand procession!
- Join the Action: The procession is open to everyone. You can choose to start following the chariot from the very beginning or join the event at its final destination.
Temple Address & Contact Info
- Temple Address:
167, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur - Temple Hours:
- Tuesday – 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 inquiries, feel free to contact the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 03-2078 3467.
For up-to-date traffic information, contact the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Traffic Police Station at 03-2071 9999 or reach out via the Traffic Hotline at 03-2026 0267/0269 or at any nearby police station.
Share this info with your friends who are attending Thaipusam.
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Read also:
Thaipusam 2024: Here Is The Silver Chariot’s Route To Batu Caves Temple
Thaipusam 2024: Here Is The Silver Chariot’s Route To Batu Caves Temple
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