By P. Chandra Sagaran
Thousands of devotees thronged the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Sungai Pari and Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh to offer their prayers during the Thaipusam festival .
Hundreds of kavadi bearers started their journey from Maha Mariamman Temple to Gunung Cheroh through Jalan Sungai Pari, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Lahat, Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Raja Musa Aziz.
Devotees also carried milk pots to fulfill their vows.
Hundreds of thaneer panthal were set up along the routes to offer free food and drinks to the public.
Some foreigners were also spotted at the festival clicking the scenes with their cameras and handphones.
Several government departments and agencies had set their booths to offer services and advice to the public.
Security personnel were also stationed at strategic places for smooth flow of traffic and crowd control.
Among the devotees were Perak MIC Chairman and Party Vice President,Tan Sri M.Ramasamy, Perak Human Resources, Health, National Integration and Indian Affairs Committee Chairman A.Sivanesan and Ipoh Barat MP and Deputy Minister for Law and Institutional Reforms in the Prime Minister’s Department M. Kulasegaran.
Also present were Perak State Assembly Deputy Speaker and Canning Assemblywoman Jenny Choy Tsi Jen, Buntong Assemblywoman Thulsi Manogaran and Malim Nawar Assemblywoman Bavani Veraiah.