The location of the yearly Thaipusam event, Jalan Kebun Bunga/Jalan Air Terjun, which was crowded with Chinese and Hindu devotees as well as foreign visitors.

Hundreds of thousands of people go here to celebrate Thaipusam, which is celebrated with enormous color and grandeur, following Batu Caves.

The sight of devotees wearing vibrant "kavadis" was breathtaking.

As followers showed up with tiny pots and spears piercing their bodies and cheeks, the assembled throng gasped.

Numerous people danced while pious hymns played in the background.
Shutterbugs enjoyed themselves immensely as they clicked away on their phones and cameras.

The New Straits Times was informed by friends Marie Dragset, 21, and Anna Agathe G. Kvifte, 22, that they had never witnessed a religious event like this before.

Dragset remarked, "That is very beautiful to see. We have never seen anything like this before, like hooks at the back (of the devotee's body) and all the rituals."

Kvifte agreed, stating that it was interesting to see the hooks attached to the cups.

"It looks painful to me but the devotees had them affixed with ease and calmness," she continued.

Dragset and Kvifte, who seemed radiant in sarees, both stated that they came on a study tour with their teacher.

Here with our teacher is a portion of the religious study class we are taking. "This is a process of experience and learning," Dragset declared.

Warehouse officer K. Navasshakthi, 33, was observed earlier in Lorong Kulit here assisting her kids in carrying the little paal kudam (milk offering) and kavadi.

Her seven-year-old daughter K. Tharanny and son K. Durrvasan are carrying the kavadi for the first time.

Every year, her husband will carry the kavadi, according to Navasshakthi.

"This year, my kids approached me and said, 'Amma, we would like to take the kavadi too.'" Might we?

When the NST met her, she informed them, "So, we just allowed them to do so." "They are very very happy and excited and we are awaiting how they will make the journey to fulfil their vows."

Navasshakthi stated that her kids had been fasting for the previous week to get ready.

vegetarian meals are not provided.

"They take their fasting very seriously.

"This Thaipusam holds special meaning for me because my kids will be consuming kava.

"Previously, I would be following my husband only but this time, we have our kids with us," she stated.

A highlight of Penang's Thaipusam celebrations, the dual chariot procession, gave the three- day state-level event a vibrant and energetic start yesterday.

Following ancient customs, throngs of worshippers followed the golden and silver chariots as they paraded through the streets.

After their debut in 2017, the dual chariot processions have returned to the streets for a total of eight years.

This year, Penang anticipates a magnificent celebration as over a million people are anticipated to attend the three-day Thaipusam event.

Tomorrow is the day that the two chariots will return.