Thaipusam pilgrimage

Saturday 30 January 2010

Let me clear one thing first. I was born a Catholic and am Catholic by name. I currently don't believe in any structured religion but I do believe in the energy of the universe or a higher power.

It's a funny thing how I came to go for my annual Thaipusam pilgrimage. It all started four years ago - sheesh that's in 2007! - when I misplaced my favourite precious Tag Heuer. Well, I turned my entire house upside down (& Ivan's too) for the watch but I couldn't find it for 2 weeks! Was quite the devastated as I saved up a lot to get this lil baby!

My fav Tag

Thaipusam was around the corner and being a typical non-Hindu Malaysian, I have shunned Batu Caves like the plague every Thaipusam as you guys know the horrendous jam along MRR2 then. Since I've never been to Thaipusam in my life, I decided to make my inaugural trip in 2007.

Thaipusam is a celebration of Lord Muragan's birthday and the triumph of good over evil. Lord Murugan is supposed to be the God that grants wishes such as passing in exams, asking for a child, praying for your loved ones to get better, etc.

As I was swept into the crowd which was surprisingly orderly in its chaoticness, I asked Lord Murugan to grant me a favour. "Dear Lord Murugan" I said. "Please let me wake up tomorrow to find my Tag beside my bed".

Tomorrow came and for some reason, I decided to reach for my bag (which was on my bedside table) to open an inside zip which I hardly ever touch. Lo and behold, there was my Tag, gleaming in all its glory! Call it coincidence, call it fate or call it a miracle. Whatever it is, Lord Murugan answered my prayers. I had to go to Batu Caves the next day with Su to offfer coconuts in thanks.

From that year on, I've been going to Thaipusam without fail, each year, asking Lord Murugan for small favours which he has always granted. Of course, you can't ask for stuff such as I want an RX8 (which Su did & still hasn't gotten) but ask for goof stuff that will improve your life. He has always been good to me and I'm thankful to him.

2010 was no different. Ivan's 2 Australian cousins Sasha & Zoey were down so we decided to go on the eve instead. We usually go on Thaipusam night as it's less crowded. The crowds were massive that night! Check out the jam to Batu Caves. We had to park bout 800m away & walk.

The jam

The atmosphere was electric as usual. You can feel the vibrations of the drums as the devotees urge their kavadi-bearing friends along. There were carriers in trance, pierced ladies carrying milk vases and devotees with laden weights hooked on their bodies.

Milk carriers are dress in yellow

Weighted hooks on his body

Feeling no pain

Lord Murugan's huge statue. Check out the number of people on the stairs.

Colourful kavadi carriers

The crowd - amazing

Kavadi carriers

Scene before the stairs

It took us about an hour just to reach the main gate because we were inching along with the crowd and 4 hours to complete the round of going up the stairs, get my blessings and come down again. There's no such thing as turning back as there's no where to turn! You gotta move on. Never have I been squashed against so many people! Lucky I'm not claustrophobic. I ended up reaching home at 5am and I had to get up at 7.45am the next day for Tyng's wedding!

But it's awlays worth the journey and I recommend you experience it at least once in your life.

Sasha, Zoey, Me & Ivan. Black took the pic.

It's recommended that you release the coconut & flower offerings the next day in flowing water and I found just the place to do that in Sg Penchala.

Thank you Lord Murugan in advance for granting my wish this year once again. Till next year then.