In pics: Muted Hindu festival Thaipusam observed across southeast Asian regions amid Covid scare
A subdued Hindu festival in Malaysia
The Thaipusam festival, which used to draw hundreds of thousands of devotees along with tourists, was celebrated with subdued affair due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the Sri Subramaniar temple in Malayasia's Batu Caves.
The colourful and vibrant celebration has been scaled down, for the second consecutive year, much to the disappointment of many.
Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February),
Hindu festival amid Covid scare
A group of Hindu devotees carrying "Paal Kudam" (milk pots) ahead of the Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur on January 17, 2022.
Thaipusam festival
Hindu devotees perform a religious ritual ahead of the Thaipusam festival outside a temple in Batu Caves on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on January 17, 2022.
Despite Covid curbs, people throng to temple to offer prayers
Among the rituals of Thai Pusam, Kavadi Attam is one of the most significant features. A kavadi is a semi-circular wooden carrier that is used to carry offerings for Lord Murugan.
Seeking blessings
Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Heng Swee Keat joined with other devotees on Tuesday to carry paal kudam (milk pot offerings) at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple this morning.
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