Najib, MIC leaders attend Thaipusam celebration

BATU CAVES: Cherishing the spirit of 1Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak spent his time together with the communities in celebrating the uniqueness of Thaipusam here.
Upon arriving at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple at 10am, thousands of devotees and tourists took the opportunity to see the nation leader eye-to-eye.
Najib, who was clad in cream coloured kurta, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, People's Progressive Party (PPP) President Tan Sri Datuk Sri Dr M. Kayveas.
The Prime Minister waved at the crowd from the balcony of the temple's building before spending almost an hour doing his walkabout at the Batu Caves compound, visiting stores and greeting visitors. His movement was closely guarded and monitored by the FRU personnel, some carrying baton and riot shield.
Meanwhile, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the turnout of worshippers, festive revellers, and tourists for Thaipusam this year has been overwhelming with many fulfilling their religious obligations, especially vows which commenced a week earlier.
"Thaipusam has become a tourist attraction and people from many parts of the world come to observe and partake in the festivity," he said, adding the whole place has been buzzing with activities since the weekend, including people cashing on the occasion to shop and eat." Palanivel said, adding Thaipusam is an important festival for the Hindus.
"I hope such festivals will bring people of all races, religion, culture and believes together," Palanivel said.
MIC vice president Datuk M. Saravanan said the celebration goes beyond religious festivities as it is a platform to foster better interaction and understanding between the Indian community and the party.
This is the 125th year Thaipusam is celebrated in Batu Caves since its first official debut in 1891. To mark the occasion, a special exhibition is being held to show the progress made in Batu Caves.
Devotee, Mague Kowindasamy, said that this is her ninth year in a row carrying a milk pot to Batu Caves as part of a vow to offer the milk to Lord Murugan.
"I've been carrying the milk pot for an umpteenth number of times since I was little, but this is my ninth time running," she said.
Ashley Ruth, 26, a tourist from America said she found out about the Thaipusam celebration on the internet and decided to come to Malaysia just to witness it.
"I am so happy to be here. I like seeing people coming in colourful dresses and also the ceremonies are just awe-inspiring. There is so much of devotion besides the spirit of festivity," she said, adding that she is also cashing on the occasion to savour the Malaysian delicacies.