Wishes come true for many devotees during Malaysia’s Thaipusam festival

KUALA LUMPUR - V.M. Gunasekaran, 54, had acquired bronchitis in childhood and he believes Lord Murugan cured him of the disease.

Following that, he carried the kavadi at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur for three years and has been a volunteer every Thaipusam festival for the past 16 years.

“The bronchitis just disappeared. Even now, I still volunteer by helping to man the undial (large donation urn). I have volunteered since I was very young. I am thankful for whatever God has given me,” The Star Online quoted Gunasekaran, as saying at Batu Caves.

Another devotee Thavamalar Alagason, 31, who accompanied her brothers, said there was no time frame for prayers to be granted adding that she carried the kavadi for three years before her prayers were answered.

“I was going through a serious financial crisis and my mother was suffering from very bad health. It was a gradual process before my prayers were answered,” she said.

Thaipusam celebrations have also become photographers’ delight.

“It is the most perfect and colourful celebration in Malaysia and it happens to be one of the best places to take photographs,” Chan, 39, said.

Hafizi Mohamed, 25 has been attending the festivities for the past two years.

He said Thaipusam was one of the country’s most important celebrations, and Malaysians should be more aware of it.

“For many people I know, Thaipusam is just another public holiday. We have to change that perception and appreciate it for how unique it is,” he added. (ANI)