Over million Hindus throng Malaysia's Batu Caves for Thaipusam Festival

Kuala Lumpur, Jan.31 (ANI): Over 1.6 million people, more than one million of them Hindu devotees, packed the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple Batu Caves, for the Thaipusam festival on Saturday.

Thousands of devotees carried pal kodam (milk pots) and the kavadi to fulfil vows made to Lord Muruga.

Many devotees, young and old, were also seen shaving their heads before entering the temple. This was an act of devotion to Lord Muruga.

According to a Malaysia Star report, foreign tourists visiting the Batu Caves were awed with the colourful and lively Thaipusam celebration.

Kreig Sylvain, 27, from Switzerland, was quoted as saying: "It was really an eye-opener. In Switzerland, we celebrate our festivals in church and people have this serious look on their faces. It is so different here, people are smiling and enjoying themselves. It is really cheerful."

Lesley McBride, 32, from Scotland said this was her first visit to Batu Caves and it was an amazing experience.

Malaysia India Congress president S. Samy Velu and Deputy Federal Territories Minister M. Saravanan were also present.

Samy said the celebration this year was special as the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor visited the Batu Caves on the eve of Thaipusam.

No major incident was recorded during the event. (ANI)