Hindu Sangam and Malaysian temple authorities should revamp Hindu festivals.

By Saravanan,

Malaysian Indian forum are shocked with some photographs of Thaipusam and complains from the festivals. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. 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 (spear) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. According to the true story of Thaipusam it is more of devotion and love towards Lord Muruga. In all Hindu scriptures surrendering to the lord was well emphasized but in recent times the celebration of spiritual festivals has been turned to fun fair.

Mr.Arvind Raj, A senior member says “The truth about Batu caves is, it has no system at all, everyone implement their own rules!” During such festivals garbage is thrown everywhere and the atmosphere doesn’t reflect a holy place. The festival has been turned to be a fun fair without the real motive of the Thaipusam. Since it is a holy festival, we are suggesting the Hindu Sangam and Maha Mariamman authorities to make traditional dresses as compulsory for devotees. Man should wear dhoti or least kurta and for women Saree or Chudithar should be the dress code. We got multiple complaints that women are wearing sexy cloths like short pants or tights till uphill. Our religion never taught to wear sexy dresses to temples and these dress guidelines will steadily make the Indians aligned to customs and culture of holy place.

During this Thaipusam, we were extremely shocked with 2 kavadis which were carried with Manchester United football club logo and with DAP logo. It is high time to control superstitious worship and back to the real thaipusam. Many of our members are asking for immediate action.
Many were observed that why this kolavery (Tamil song) was widely used for kavadi dance. Youngsters never been taught about the history and importance of such festival for many years. And eventually festivals are turned more like a street dance festival.

The policeman even stopped devotees (especially kids and women) who were holding Pal Kudam, Kavadis from entering the main gates and diverts them through the exit gate as the main gate is blocked for the Prime Minister Najib. The policemen should have arranged for alternate routes for devotes before blocking them and should have managed the crowd better.

I personally have seen the same festival in the same shape 30 years ago and now in 2012 also we are seeing the same. It is high time for the authorities to intervene and take stern action in future to make this festival showcasing our true Tamil culture and customs.