Abide by Thaipusam SOPs, please, says Hindu Sangam after Saravanan encourages ‘crowds’ of devotees

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Hindu Sangam has reminded devotees performing religious activities during Thaipusam to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government, after Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan drew flak for allegedly welcoming crowds for the festivities.

Organisation president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan signalled that Hindu devotees must observe the rules to avoid overcrowding in temples to avoid Covid-19 clusters after the celebrations.

In a response to The Vibes, Mohan distanced himself from the remarks made by Saravanan in a video posted on Twitter yesterday evening.

“He (Saravanan) should take responsibility for his statement. I cannot give any comments or views on his statement. We have advised devotees to strictly follow the SOPs.”

In the video, Saravanan appears to welcome “hundreds of thousands” of Murugan devotees to come and celebrate Thaipusam, regardless of “obstructions” made by “anyone”.

Saravanan, who is also MIC deputy president, said in the video that any expenses involved will be fully borne by the Sri Mahamariamman temple management and MIC.

The video was posted by Twitter user Dharshinee Suresh Kumar who said she is confused over Saravanan’s remarks as they go against the SOPs set by the government.

However, Saravanan did not explicitly encourage devotees to breach SOPs, and the date and time of the recording are not immediately known. 

However, the minister’s move to welcome “hundreds of thousands” appears to run contrary to an announcement by the government last week.

Saravanan was also present at the press conference during which National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique announced that the iconic kavadi processions for the Thaipusam festival are prohibited nationwide.

Announcing measures for the annual Hindu festival, Halimah said among others, the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar temple, where the largest celebrations take place, will restrict its devotee attendance to 6,000 per day.

The Vibes has reached out to Saravanan to seek clarification over his remarks.

Meanwhile, former Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the “last-minute” protocols introduced by the government for Thaipusam have resulted in hardships for many Hindus.

“Kavadi is a form of penance that forms the essence of Thaipusam. How can you make a decision such as banning kavadis one week before Thaipusam?

“The lack of coordination and awareness on timing have affected many people, devotees and traders alike.”

Vaithilingam said Halimah had wasted time in talking to temple committees around the country when she could have referred to the Hindu Sangam to get the message across.

He also said it is understandable for her to engage with large temples in Penang and Batu Caves, but her talks with smaller temples were not needed as they could have obtained information from the Hindu Sangam database.

Vaithilingam said that small temples should have been allowed to carry kavadis under strict SOPs, adding that her statement on SOPs was “very long and confusing” when it could have been explained briefly and succinctly.

“You cannot expect everyone to understand it. So much time was wasted on this and so many people have incurred losses preparing for the festival.

“For example, kavadi makers have incurred thousands of ringgit in losses. People who have ordered these kavadis have also incurred losses.

“In this instance, the National Unity Ministry has failed in ensuring a smooth observation of Thaipusam.” – The Vibes, January 18, 2022