And he has been raring to do it again on Thaipusam day tomorrow. And for the past week, his father S Jeyaraj has been wracking his brain over how to tell his 8-year-old son that he will not get to perform his pilgrimage this time.
Thaipusam celebrations in Batu Caves, and around the country, have been called off because of the spike in Covid-19 cases.
Only the Thaipusam chariot trip from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves is being allowed, and even then will only involve 10 people and subject to Covid-19 rules. The faithful will not even be allowed to witness the chariot’s trip along the route.
“I haven’t told him yet that we cannot go to Batu Caves, I am afraid he will be very sad,” Jeyaraj told FMT.
“Every year he carries a small ‘paal kudam’ (milk offering) pot. This year he wanted to carry a bigger pot,” he said, adding his son looked forward to going to Batu Caves for Thaipusam every year.
Jeyaraj however agreed that calling off the celebrations was the right thing to do given the Covid-19 situation.
“We have been teaching our son about the virus and SOPs, so he is quite aware about the issue. I am sure he will understand although he will still be sad.”
Another devotee, Rajaseckerran M Suppiah also said he was sad that he would not be able to go to Batu Caves for Thaipusam.
“I was four when I first went to Batu Caves for Thaipusam with my father. I’ve been going every year since, missing it only a few times,” the 54-year-old told FMT.
Usually, Rajaseckerran and his wife will carry a “paal kudam” while his two sons will carry kavadis.
“I am a little sad that we cannot celebrate and fulfill our religious obligations as we usually do but stopping the spread of Covid-19 is everyone’s responsibility, we have to avoid large gatherings.”
He said while some argued that celebrations could be held on a smaller scale subject to Covid-19 rules, it was not worth the risk.
“This year, we will just perform our prayers at home. I believe Lord Muruga will understand and next year, if Covid-19 has been defeated, we can return to Batu Caves.
“I hope everyone will abide by the rules and avoid gatherings. Please be responsible, we do not want a Thaipusam cluster.”