Penang Thaipusam 2024 - Preparations

I parked myself at the front of 1st Avenue Mall as it has a platform, which means I have a great view of the road where the procession was supposed to pass. Even in the early morning, the whole road was filled with people and buzzing with activities. Above, an indian lady pouring turmeric powder over a pile of coconuts. 

Lots of devotees, all dressed up and walking towards the temple.

Dances with peacock feathers on their head. They would stop and dance in front of each temple as they walked pass. Everyone was making their way to the temple at Botanical Garden.

A van filled with musicians playing traditional instrument drove pass.

Smaller chariots making their way thru.

Lots of worshipper walk up to make offering to it.

Hero of the event, the MBBP workers. They are the hero behind the scene, helping to clean up the coconut shells after it has been offered. I was amazed at how organised they were in clearing the road in order for the processing to move forward! I guess they do it every year, but it was my first time watching them in day light! Kudos to these team!

Many people assume that Thaipusam is an indian festival. But in Penang, the Chinese also participate in it. A small offering of coconuts outside a Chinese shop house along Magazine Road. 

A Chinese Chariot going by which Chinese devotees. 

Interestingly, I stood near where the cows were being prepared! While waiting for the chariot, a lorry with two cows turned up.

The cows were lead down from the lorry, providing me with much entertainment while I stood and wait. The cows also provided much entertainment and distraction to the crowds of people there.

The keeper, dressing the cows up for the festival. It was wonderful to watch how gentle he was in treating these beautiful creature!

The keeper even changed his clothing in preparation for the festival once he has dressed up the cows! 

These cows are actually there and probably at other strategic location. For chariots pulled by cows, due to the long journey and heat, they change the cows along the way so that the cows are not tired from all the work.

The crowd at Magazine Road before the chariot arrive.