GEORGE TOWN MALAYSIA, February 8, 2017 (The Star): A heavy downpour, unseen in recent years during Thaipusam, delayed the departure of the silver chariot from Kovil Veedu in Penang Street on Wednesday. The rain, which came pouring down at about 5.20am, pushed the departure of the silver chariot, owned by Nattukotai Chettiar Temple, from 6.30am to 7.20am.
However, nearby on Queen Street, the golden chariot left the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple for its maiden journey as scheduled at 5.20am. The golden chariot belonged to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, the organizers of the Thaipusam festival. Twenty devotees pulled the golden chariot after the vel (spear) of Lord Muruga was placed on the altar of the chariot. Along the way, thousands of devotees lined the streets, with many arriving early in the morning from as far as Ipoh, Perak to watch the maiden journey of the golden chariot.