By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 — The barring of kavadi processions during the Thaipusam celebrations yesterday by the Federal government should have been issued earlier.
Hindu devotee S. Nyaneswaran said the decision to announce the ban a week before the festival is unfair towards individuals who have long prepared for the event.
“We agreed to adhere to the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), but the ministry in charge or temple associations should have been responsible by notifying us on this matter earlier.
“Many believers have been fasting for 48 days, and there are small traders who have invested in the business. Thaipusam is incomplete without kavadis,” he said on the ‘Borak Santai’ talk show titled The Meaning of Thaipusam broadcast live on SelangorTV Youtube last night.
The kavadi procession is a ceremony where Hindu devotees carry a burden on their shoulders to worship Lord Subramaniam during the Thaipusam festival.
Meanwhile, Nyaneswaran added that he hoped the Covid-19 pandemic would end soon so that all religious festivals could be celebrated as usual.
“I wish a happy Thaipusam to all Malaysians, and may we be able to curb the spread of Covid-19 and have a lively festive celebration next year,” he said.
Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindu devotees as an act to respect Lord Murugan or also known as Lord Subramaniam. The celebration is also associated with the day of fulfilling vows and atonement for sins.
