Tens of thousands of devotees have thronged Batu Caves in Malaysia since early Saturday (Feb 8) to celebrate Thaipusam.<br /><br />They carried brightly-decorated and ornate frames known as kavadi, some decorated with peacock feathers and garlands.<br /><br />Others carried the paal kudam (milk pots) and made their way from the Sri Subramaniar Temple's entrance to the hilltop temple.<br /><br />Rituals were performed as acts of penance and to offer thanks to Lord Muruga, as well as to fulfil vows and to repent for past sins.<br /><br />The kavadi bearers were accompanied by the frantic rhythm of traditional drums.<br /><br />Thaipusam marks the birth of Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.<br /><br />Each year, thousands of devotees climb up Batu Caves' 272 steps to commemorate the birthday of Lord Muruga, who was given a "vel" (spear) by the Goddess Parvati to vanquish the evil Soorapadman.<br /><br />The Hindus celebrate this event in the Tamil month of Thai (January to February).<br /><br />Despite the recent coronavirus outbreak, there were not many spotted donning face masks except for a small number of locals and tourists.<br /><br />A majority of the crowd took advantage of the festival falling on a Saturday to visit the temple.<br /><br />When asked, many were not worried and felt the situation in Malaysia was under control and that it did not warrant the wearing of face masks.
