Batu Caves Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam trustee N. Sivakumar told CNA that up to 2 million people will be expected to throng the temple grounds this year, including tourists from all over the world.
“This year’s celebrations will be very big. Those who couldn’t perform their prayers last year will do it this year,” he said, adding that the largest crowds are expected this weekend.
Sivakumar said that as of Feb 1, an estimated 20,000 people had already carried the Paal Kudam (milk offering) up to the Batu Caves temple.
He said that many had performed their prayers since the Chinese New Year holidays to avoid the big crowds that are expected on Feb 4 and 5.
The procession of chariots carrying the statues of Lord Murugan began moving from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur on Friday evening and are expected to reach Batu Caves in the late afternoon on Saturday.
Huge Thaipusam celebrations are also expected at Hindu temples in Penang, Perak, Kedah, and Johor.