PENANG, MALAYSIA, April 22, 2016 (The Star): The annual Chitraparuvam Festival, also known as mini Thaipusam, started at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street, Penang, with a chariot procession.More than 600 devotees joined in the prayers at the temple at about 6.30pm on Wednesday before the statue of Lord Muruga was placed on the elaborately decorated wooden chariot at 7.15pm.
The chariot made its journey past Chulia Street, Datuk Keramat Road and Kebun Bunga Road. Its destination is the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple in Kebun Bunga Road. Hindu Mahajana Sangam chairman M. Neelamegam said the chariot would leave the hilltop temple for its return journey at 6.30pm today. It is expected to reach the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street at 7am tomorrow.
Hundreds of devotees made offerings of fruits, flowers and coconuts. They also smashed coconuts before the chariot pulled by two bulls left the temple at 7.45pm. Devotees also carried paal kudam (milk pots) and kavadis.