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SINGAPORE – Hindu devotees wishing to participate in the Thaipusam festival next month will have to abide by a series of strict measures, including reserving time slots to enter the temple and using only pre-prepared offerings.
Unlike in previous years, there will be no walking procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road during the festival on January 28 and activities will only take place in and around this latter temple. , the two temples and the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) announced on Thursday (November 10).
They said in a joint statement that these restrictions are necessary in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the decision to continue holding the festival was made due to its historical significance.
During the festival, devotees usually fulfill their vows and bring paal kudams or milk vessels, or kavadis, which are wooden or metal structures with milk offerings, to the Tank Road temple.
To avoid possible outbreaks of Covid-19, the festival organizers will ban all forms of kavadis for the next festival.
Devotees with any form of kavadis, including body pierced versions, will not be allowed to enter the festival or temple. These include those with piercings on the tongue, cheeks, forehead, arms or legs, the statement said.
Those who wish to bring paal kudams to the temple can only use vessels previously prepared by the temple due to space restrictions.
However, the number of paal kudams available will be limited, and each devotee wearing a paal kudam may only be accompanied by one person.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple will also deny entry to devotees who have not booked schedules and groups carrying musical instruments or any form of amplifying device.
Devotees will not be allowed to gather outside the temple and must follow a path assigned by the temple after they finish giving their offerings and prayers.
“All of the above measures are carried out for the safety and well-being of the devotees and their families,” the statement said, adding that the organizers intend to allow as many devotees as possible without violating safe management measures. .
The elderly, young people and people with physical disabilities are encouraged to pray from home, using a live broadcast of the Thaipusam prayer session.
Devotees can make their reservations online on the Sri Thendayuthapani website starting January 3 next year, and more details will be provided closer to the event.
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