THE Thaipusam celebration at the Thaipusam celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Lok Kawi, Sunday, saw a turnout of more than 1,200 people – an increase over last year’s estimated 800.
Temple Committee President Captain Shamala Devi Muniandy expressed joy at the increase in visitors. She also noted the presence of people from different faiths.
Advertisement
“This is the beauty of Sabah. Even on ordinary days, we interact with people from different ethnic backgrounds,” said Capt. Shamala who is attached to Kem Lok Kawi.
One of the several kavadi-bearers was Somaasundaram a/l Chandran, 31, who attributed experiencing no pain or discomfort from the piercings to his belief in the spiritual purpose of his actions.
“I carry the kavadi with a specific intention. For example, a personal goal or wish and when it has been fulfilled, I take up the kavadi as a way of offering thanks to God (deity Murugan),” he said.
It was his first time bearing the kavadi and the first in his family to take part in the ritual. The Selangor-born is attached to Kem Lok Kawi.
He said despite the hot weather and long walk, he felt no pain. “When it comes to God, no matter the pain or difficulties we endure, we put them aside. Our focus is on fulfilling our intention.”
Preparing for the occasion required Somaasundaram to fast for 48 days, refraining from eating chicken or fish and focusing on a diet of vegetables, fruits and milk.
He also visited the temple every day to seek blessings from God, as a part of the preparations. He would continue to carry the kavadi another two years to complete the cycle.
Syazwani Abd Harun, 27, came to the temple, the Hindu community’s main centre of worship here, to show her support for her father-in-law, who is carrying a kavadi, and to take part in volunteer activities.
She described the presence of people of various races as a symbol of unity that is entrenched in the daily lives of Sabahans, who have always believed in living in harmony and mutually respecting each other’s cultures and beliefs.
“Even in our own family, it has always been like that as we have a mix of Indians, Muslims and Chinese. In Sabah, we have always mixed around,” she said while distributing food to visitors.
Miko Yinyiing, a 33-year-old Kadazan Christian woman said, the Thaipusam celebration showcases the uniqueness of the people of Sabah, who respect each other’s cultures and beliefs.
She has been attending the Thaipusam celebration for the past five years, drawn to the uniqueness of the Hindu culture and its festive atmosphere.
“I came here to celebrate Thaipusam with my friends. Yes, Sabah is so unique because of this,” she said.
