The three-day state-level Thaipusam celebrations kicked off to a dynamic and colourful start today with the dual chariot procession, a hallmark of Thaipusam in Penang.
Continuing with age-old traditions, the golden and silver chariots took to the streets here early this morning, accompanied by thousands of devotees.
The golden chariot, carrying the vel or spear, left the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen about 5.30am while the silver chariot, carrying the statue of Lord Murugan, departed its Kovil Veedu temple at Penang Street about an hour later.
The dual chariots are expected to reach their destinations at about 11pm.This will be the eighth year the dual chariot procession takes to the streets, after making its first appearance back in 2017.
Thousands of devotees, many dressed up in their finest most colourful saris, or wearing orange, the colour of Murugan, followed the chariots by foot along the 6.6km route.
Along the way, tens of thousands others lined the streets to welcome the chariots, breaking coconuts as offerings in its path, a key annual ritual. Many also offered platters of fruits.
Penang is expecting more than one million people for the three-day Thaipusam celebration.
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