GEORGE TOWN, Feb 8 – A two-hour head start by the golden chariot kept it about 1.5km apart from the silver chariot in on the eve of Thaipusam. The gap between them narrowed at one point in Jalan Datuk Keramat because the golden chariot was hindered by the masses of coconuts piled along the street, but after the fruits were smashed and the debris cleared, the chariot surged ahead and kept the gap.
Golden Chariot which organised by the state-run Penang Hindu Endowment Board was taken off from Queen Street Mariamman Temple was heading to Waterfall for Thaipusam festival, towed by a train of 20 devotees accompanied by thousands others chanting Vel! Vel (spear), this early morning at 5am.
Silver Chariot which operated by Nattukotai Chettiar temple and the sole Thaipusam chariot for the last 126 years was taken off from Penang Street Nattukotai Chettier Temple heading up to Waterfall for Thaipusam festival this early morning at 7:10am. A 40min delay from the original departure time of 6.30am for Silver Chariot due to the downpour.
Several thousand devotees also gathered around the Kovil Veedu in Penang Street, extending offerings to Lord Muruga on the silver chariot before the procession began. Tens of thousands of people in Penang are expected to turn up for Thaipusam on Thursday.
