By P. Chandra Sagaran
This year’s Thaipusam festival here for the first time will have recycling facilities to enable food stalls to dispose of the unused cooking oil in a proper manner.
The three-day festival starts on Feb 10 to 12 at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Sungai Pari and Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh.
Ipoh Hindu Devasthana Paripalana Sabah Management Committee President R. Seetharaman said”,we do not want to cause environmental problems or clogged drains.
“The food stalls set up during the festival should use the recycling facilities instead of disposing of the oil indiscriminately ,”he told reporters after attending the Thaipusam coordination meeting here on Feb 6.
The meeting was chaired by Human Resources, Health and National Integration Committee Chairman S. Sivanesan.
The committee manages the two temples.
Meanwhile Sivanesan stressed stern action would be taken against those who sell or consume alcohol during the festival.
“It is an auspicious festival ,we will not tolerate it and the police will monitor the situation.
“We have received complaints from people due to alcohol consumption which leads to public nuisance especially at night,”he added.
This is the first time offenders will be hauled up for legal action.
Sivanesan also said several government agencies and enforcement departments personnel will be stationed to monitor the situation as well as crowd control.
“The temporary tents for stalls had the size reduced to 10 x 10 to avoid congestion,”,,he added.
Some 350,000 devotees are expected to attend the festival.
The committee is expecting 350 kavadi bearers and 50,000 people to carry milk pots to fulfil their vows.
On Feb 10, the chariot procession carrying the statue of Lord Subramaniar will leave Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Sungai Pari to Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh.
The following day the devotees will offer prayers.
Kavadi bearers will leave from the temple at Jalan Sungai Pari to Gunung Cheroh temple through Jalan Sungai Pari, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Lahat, Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Raja Musa Aziz before reaching the temple.
On Feb 12, the chariot procession will make the return journey.