THE Batu Caves Thaipusam task force, a coalition comprising Hindu
Temples and Hindu-based NGOs, has banned any form of entertainment
during the Thaipusam festival on Jan 17.
The playing of non-religious music and the setting up of a fun fair on temple grounds are also not allowed.
The ban includes the carrying of kavadis that are disrespectful and mock the religious festival.
At a press conference held at the Malaysian Hindu Sangam office, its president Datuk Mogan Shan warned that devotees carrying fancy kavadis, such as those bearing logos of soccer clubs, company logos or other images deemed inappropriate, will not be allowed inside the premises.
This includes kavadi bearers with durians, chillies and apples stuck to their bodies. Items such as swords, tridents, knives, whips, poles, cigar, liquor bottles are also prohibited.
Mohan said leaflets with information on the significance of Thaipusam would be distributed to the public, listing the do’s and don’ts.
“The guidelines are applicable nationwide,” he said.
Meanwhile, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillor G. Gunaraj, who was representing MPS, said the police and about 200 volunteers would be recruited to help ensure that the guidelines are observed.
“The volunteers will be wearing a special T-shirt and cap and stationed in strategic areas to monitor activities,’’ he said.
On the fun fair, Gunaraj said MPS had already issued a notice to the temple that it was not allowed for safety reasons.
“Due to space constraints, it is not conducive to have the fun fair during the festival, so the council will not allow this,’’ he said.
In previous years, the Batu Caves Temple committee leased out space in the temple’s compound to a local operator to set up the fun fair during Thaipusam.
Those interested in volunteering can call 010-298 5002 or visit the task force Facebook page at facebook.com/thaipusam2014
Courtesy:thestar dot com dot my
The playing of non-religious music and the setting up of a fun fair on temple grounds are also not allowed.
The ban includes the carrying of kavadis that are disrespectful and mock the religious festival.
At a press conference held at the Malaysian Hindu Sangam office, its president Datuk Mogan Shan warned that devotees carrying fancy kavadis, such as those bearing logos of soccer clubs, company logos or other images deemed inappropriate, will not be allowed inside the premises.
This includes kavadi bearers with durians, chillies and apples stuck to their bodies. Items such as swords, tridents, knives, whips, poles, cigar, liquor bottles are also prohibited.
Mohan said leaflets with information on the significance of Thaipusam would be distributed to the public, listing the do’s and don’ts.
“The guidelines are applicable nationwide,” he said.
Meanwhile, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillor G. Gunaraj, who was representing MPS, said the police and about 200 volunteers would be recruited to help ensure that the guidelines are observed.
“The volunteers will be wearing a special T-shirt and cap and stationed in strategic areas to monitor activities,’’ he said.
On the fun fair, Gunaraj said MPS had already issued a notice to the temple that it was not allowed for safety reasons.
“Due to space constraints, it is not conducive to have the fun fair during the festival, so the council will not allow this,’’ he said.
In previous years, the Batu Caves Temple committee leased out space in the temple’s compound to a local operator to set up the fun fair during Thaipusam.
Those interested in volunteering can call 010-298 5002 or visit the task force Facebook page at facebook.com/thaipusam2014
Courtesy:thestar dot com dot my
