The Floating Chariot Procession in Teluk Bahang Sri
Singamuga Kaliamman Temple started earlier this year. We nearly missed this year's unique
ceremony due to the total lunar eclipse as the procession had to start early.
The total lunar eclipse will dazzle the night sky in the late night hours. I
reckon lunar eclipse may be worth staying up for, because it will be the last
one until December 2010.
Unlike the year before, 6 to 8 strong Indian men carried "Ammah" as she is
fondly addressed, round the temple ground before sending her, on her annual
floating procession in Teluk Bahang sea.
This year, Chandra's sister Susila came all the way form Seremban with her
friend Mrs Govin to witness our Penang Indian Festival held in Teluk Bahang
Beach.
Floating Chariot Procession in Teluk Bahang Penang
Susila my sister-in-law used to live in Teluk Bahang years back. She
shared stories she heard from the locals about
Sri Singamuga Kaliamman. It seems the horses of Lord Muniandy "Ayah"
can be heard troding on the Teluk Bahang beach in the early days when there were
Indian fisherman living there.
Also the fisherman were seen singing happily after their daily catch in
the 70's. We had a good laugh as those memories were that of the Indian movies.
Well, here I prepared two videos and many photos of the Floating
Chariot Procession.
As in most festival and celebrations in Penang, the crowd is massive. The
sounds, shouts and music will blast at its maximum peak. So in the videos, the
distortion is unavoidable. But do enjoy the festive and spiritual significance
of the Procession in Teluk Bahang Penang.
The Teluk Bahang Chariot Send Off
Devotees with lighted styrofoam dish
A family of devotees with lighted dish
Home made colorful styrofoam dish
Specially prepared lighted dish
A styrofoam dish depicting the floating chariot
A young devotee in Chariot Procession
Mrs Govind and Susila (in blue) receiving free vegetarian packed dinner from well wishes
Follow the waves as one send off the lighted lantern dish for Sri
Singamuga Kaliamman yearly procession
We had fun watching the devotees letting go the lighted styrofoam dish
lantern in the sea. The waves this year was quite strong. Many lanterns
overturned as the devotees were not prepared to be soaked by the strong waves.
Observing them in action, I saw some patient devotees standing firmly on the
strong waves and let go the lantern as the wave roll back to sea. Here are more
photos of the festivals.
The celebration is to honour the birthday of Lord Murugan,
the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is also to celebrate the day when Goddess Parvati
bestowed upon her son, Lord Murugan, the “vel” or lance to defeat the evil
demon, Soorapadman.
Another interesting fact is, quite a
significant number of Malaysian Chinese are also beginning to celebrate and
fulfilling their vows during Thaipusam.