Penang Run 2013 and Thaipusam

Penang Run 2013 and Thaipusam.

Two unrelated events happening on the same day i.e. Penang Run 2013 and Thaipusam. Thaipusam has always been a big event in Penang. It causes massive traffic jam in many parts of Penang for three days ! I would have said that the organiser should have chosen a better date for the first run event in Penang for 2013. In addition, it is a run which stir up a lot of controversies with a political motive behind the run initially and even the "name" of the run. Making it headlines in one of the local newspaper that I know of. To most runners, we are here to run. Couldn't care less about anything else. Eventually, taking away the political motive it became a run event which draw favorable reviews from most runners.

Start and finishing point of the race at USM stadium

Participants of the race

Runners at the finishing and Andrew Loh, the technical organiser of the event with his great smile.

I was unable to register for the event as I was supposed to be in Jakarta on those few days. But due to the recent flood in Jakarta, I have decided to postpone the trip to a later date. And the registration was already closed when I decided to postpone the trip. With a nagging hip injury, it was also not advisable to run a 17km with a hilly route. However, I managed to be at the event and cheer some of my friends at the finishing line snd snap some photos. The start and closing of the event was at Unversity Sains Malaysia (USM). There is a also a fun run for the event. If it will held again the next year, hopefully they can choose a better date and not clash with another major event in Penang. A run event in the Penang at the beginning of the year is always welcome !

A devotee carrying a kavadi

Thaipusam commemorates the triumph of good over evil, the birthday of Lord Murugan and his triumph over the evil demon Soorapadman. Yearly, many visitors and devotees visit Penang to witness this spectacular event. In a show of faith and devotion, Hindus (including a number of Chinese), in a trance, carry colorful and elaborate decorated kavadis as offerings to Lord Murugan. This Hindu festival comes alive in a carnival-like atmosphere with chanting, music and dancing – a fun atmosphere and it has become a tourist attraction event.

Devotees at Thaipusam

A silver chariot procession when the golden statue of Lord Murugan makes its way from George Town  to the Chettiar temple in Waterfall Road. As the chariot procession progresses along the streets, devotees smash hundreds and thousands of coconuts as offering and to give thanks to the Lord Murugan. A lot of Chinese businessmen devotees in Penang also make this coconut offering. This procession usually causes massive traffic jams along the route.

Road leading to Waterfall Road

Thaipusam has also always special to me and quite a lot of Chinese in Penang. Although we are not Hindus, a lot of us also go to the Nattukottai Chettiar’s temple at Waterfall Road to pray during Thaipusam. This tradition of mine, started from my mum where she has gone to the Chettiar's temple every year without failed during Thaipusam. And she also died on Thaipusam day. So Thaipusam has always been my remembrance of her. And I can feel her presence when I go to pray at the temple every time. This is a part of the memory that never fades away. I went for Thaipusam after they have finished with the Zumba dance on stage at the Penang Run 2013.

Nattukottai Chettiar’s temple

Usually, you have to park your vehicle far from the Chettiar's temple and it is a long walk to the temple.  Earlier years, I usually went during the night avoiding the sun and the heat but because having to go to witness the Penang Run I have changed my schedule and went in the morning.

The New Waterfall Hilltop Temple. 513 steps to the temple.

Young children with shaved head carried by their parents

However, for this year, I have also made it to the newly completed Waterfall Hilltop Temple (Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple) with 513 steps climbing to the temple beating the Batu Caves' steps of 272 steps. The challenge is hiking up 513 steps at 12 noon with a blazing sun. Ending up with a sunburn on the exposed area near my neck ! But Thaipusam with its carnival atmosphere is an event in Penang not to be missed !