70000 expected at Thaipusam festival in JB

JOHOR BARU: Around 70,000 people are anticipated to join the Thaipusam festival at the Arulmigu Thandayuthpani temple here.

Temple president N. Shanmugam shared that preparations began ten days prior, with 100 to 300 devotees attending daily morning and evening prayer sessions.

Located near the construction site of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link depot, the temple has also collaborated with contractors to ensure minimal disruption.

"Constructions for the RTS Link project will be stopped for two days (Feb 10 and Feb 11) to accommodate the procession.

“We are also working with police and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure a smooth event,” he said.

He said about 5,000 devotees carrying kavadis would start their journey from the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple at Jalan Ungku Puan around 10pm tonight (Feb 10).

The procession would cover a 6km route to the temple at Wadi Hana, with rest stations along the way and additional lighting in dim areas, he added.

Another procession, involving the carrying of a chariot, is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday (Feb 11) from the temple at Wadi Hana to Taman Ungku Puan.

The temple is preparing to serve food to some 50,000 people with the assistance of around 5,000 workers and volunteers.

Food donations have also been received from the police and NGOs, he said.