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OVER 20,000 devotees gathered in Teluk Intan to mark the annual Chithirai Pournami festival, as the Perak state government announced a RM400 reduction in stall rental fees to ease the financial burden on traders.
Perak Executive Councillor for Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration, A. Sivanesan said the rental fee for each of the 114 stalls allocated by the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) had been reduced from RM2,900 last year to RM2,500 for this year’s 10-day festival period, which runs from 9 to 18 May.
“Last year, MPTI charged RM2,900 in stall fees during Chithirai Pournami and received complaints from traders that the rate was too high. Therefore, the state government decided this year to lower the cost by RM400 to support the traders,” Sivanesan said.
He was speaking to reporters while observing the festivities around the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Jalan Bandar, a 150-year-old religious site that saw throngs of devotees arrive as early as 4am to fulfil religious vows.
The celebration began with the ‘paal koodam’ ritual, where devotees carried milk pots in a symbolic act of devotion, followed by prayers, ‘kavadi’ processions, and the breaking of coconuts.
Chithirai Pournami, celebrated on the full moon in the first month of the Tamil calendar (Chithirai), is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Malaysia. It commemorates the birth of a divine aide during a full moon, according to Hindu beliefs.
It is a day of penance, atonement, and seeking blessings for a fresh start, often associated with worshipping Chitragupta, the heavenly accountant who records people's karmic deeds. Devotees seek forgiveness for past mistakes and blessings for a successful future.
“MPTI and other stakeholders have made thorough preparations to ensure the celebration proceeds smoothly and worshippers can celebrate without issue,” Sivanesan added. - May 12, 2025
