KUALA LUMPUR February 7, 2025 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Batu Caves on Friday afternoon, prior to Thaipusam celebration next Tuesday, February 11.
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, confirmed that the visit will provide Anwar with an opportunity to observe the preparations for the festival at the Batu Caves temple. The deputy minister, who is in charge of overseeing affairs in the Indian community stated that Anwar informed him of the visit last Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his wishes to connect with the Indian community, as well as to learn the preparations done for the huge celebration. The Sungai Buloh MP told Bernama : “He is looking forward to being on the ground at Batu Caves this year.”
Thaipusam is a vibrant Hindu Tamil festival that celebrates the victory of the Hindu god Murugan over the demon Surapadman. This lively celebration takes place on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, which coincides with the Pusam star, giving the festival its name, Thaipusam.
Batu Caves, with its immense religious and historical significance, serves as the focal point for this celebration. Located in Gombak, Batu Caves is home to a series of cave temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, a key deity in Hinduism, making it the central site for the Thaipusam festival.
In Malaysia, Thaipusam is celebrated extravagantly. At 4 a.m., devotees dressed in orange and yellow attire set out on processions from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown, chanting prayers as they make their way.
Interested To Attend? Here’s Some Key Tips
As the festival attracts thousands of Indians and tourists, be sure to follow these tips to make the most of your experience:
- Wear light clothing as the weather might be too humid
- Bring your own water bottles to prevent littering
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and secure parking
- Explore the surrounding Batu Caves area before making your way up, as a Kavadi Ritual might be taking place
- Look after your belongings
