Penang introduces permits for large kavadis to enhance safety at Thaipusam 2025
GEORGE TOWN, Jan 15 — The Penang Hindu Endowment Board is implementing a permit system for large kavadis and encouraging early worship to manage crowds and improve safety for the Thaipusam festival on February 1, expected to draw over one million devotees.
LWHPP chairman RSN Rayer said the permit system aims to schedule entry times for large Ratham Kavadis to prevent traffic congestion and safety issues during peak hours.
"We are trying to manage it so they do not come at the same time because we worry it could cause traffic congestion like last year, when there was an incident around 7 to 8 pm causing a severe gridlock," Rayer said.
The board also advises elderly, chronically ill, and disabled individuals to perform prayers a week before the main day to reduce congestion.
Medical teams, including ambulance units and volunteer officers, will be on standby at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, which has 513 steps.
A total of 175 decorated Thaneer Panthal stalls have been approved along the route, up from 155 last year, with managers instructed to play only religious music and stop by 11 pm.
Discussions are ongoing to coordinate the golden and silver chariot processions for orderly movement, with both departing between 5 am and 5.30 am on festival day.
"Compared to before, now we have an understanding, with both parties discussing and cooperating to manage the chariot movement so there is no dispute as happened previously," Rayer added.
Between 250 and 300 volunteers will be mobilized, including teams to monitor kavadi-related incidents during the celebration.
The Penang festival is unique for being observed a day earlier as Chetti Pusam, featuring peacock kavadis and the silver chariot by the Chettiar community.
Since 2017, the event has included a golden chariot carrying Lord Murugan's sacred 'vel,' with coconuts broken along the route as a ritual.
Thaipusam commemorates Lord Murugan receiving a divine spear from Goddess Parvati to destroy the demon Soorapadman.