The Chariot begins tha jouney - Hindu devotees began fulfilling their vows

The Beginning of the chariot ride

The 1st offering

PENANG, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Hindu devotees began fulfilling their vows by breaking coconuts as they walked the 10km stretch in the Lord Murugan procession from the Kovil Veedum temple in Lebuh Ampang to the Nattukottai Chettiar temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga here.

The procession made a stop at every "Thanir Panthal" stalls erected along the way to allow the devotees to conduct the coconut smashing ritual.

Some members of the public, including tourists, also joined in by breaking some coconuts.

A.Nadason, 42, who was with his family at Jalan Datuk Keramat, said breaking the coconuts was a tradition practised by his family to symbolise their gratitude for the success they had achieved, as well as to make new vows.

"My family and I will make our vows and pray for our prosperity and good health, success in our business, education and work before doing the coconut breaking ritual," said the trader from Kedah.

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THAIPUSAM-COCONUTS 2 PENANG

An Australian tourist, Mark Joseph, 35, who was among the crowd of about 10,000 people in the procession, said it was his first experience in such a situation.

"It was surprising to see them smashing the coconuts and then clean the areas of the shells so fast," he added.

Mark, an engineer, is looking forward to witness the highlight of the Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani located on a hill in Jalan Kebun Bunga.

Meanwhile, a Penang Municipal Council spokesman said about 20 tonnes of smashed coconuts were cleared by the municipal council workers during the procession.

Tomorrow, the Hindu devotees will carry various types of colourful kavadi (mini chariots) by walking up the flight of 276 stairs to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani temple to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan .

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THAIPUSAM-COCONUTS 3 (LAST) PENANG

On the third day, the statue of Lord Murugan will be brought back in a procession from the Nattukottaio Chettiat temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga to the Kovil Veedum temple at Jalan Penang.

Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindus on the full moon day in the Thai month of the Tamil calendar, which is between January and early February.

The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. -- BERNAMA EIY MIS