Penang Gears Up For Thaipusam 2026 With New Kavadi Permit System And Tighter Crowd Control

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With Thaipusam less than two weeks away, Penang is preparing to once again become a focal point for one of Malaysia's largest Hindu religious gatherings

More than one million devotees are expected to throng the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga, popularly known as Thaneer Malai, for Thaipusam on 1 February, 2026.

To manage the massive influx, the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (LWHPP) told Bernama that preparations this year are focused on safety, comfort, and smoother crowd movement around the hilltop temple.

Thaipusam celebrations in Penang begin a day earlier with Chetti Pusam

It's a procession by the Chettiar community featuring peacock kavadis accompanied by the silver chariot.

Since 2017, the festivities have also included a golden chariot bearing the Vel, the sacred spear of Lord Murugan. During both processions, coconuts are broken as part of the ritual.

Between 250 and 300 volunteers will be deployed throughout the celebration period, including temple youth teams stationed at upper and lower temple areas, and a special unit assigned to monitor incidents involving kavadis.

A key change this year is a special permit system for devotees carrying Ratham Kavadis

Ratham kavadis are large kavadis resembling small carts that are usually pulled by several individuals.

In an interview with Bernama, LWHPP chairman RSN Rayer said the system is meant to regulate arrival times and prevent dangerous congestion, especially during peak hours at night.

"We are trying to ensure that they do not arrive at the same time. Last year, when several Ratham Kavadis entered between 7pm and 8pm, the congestion was so severe that it resulted in a complete gridlock," he said when met at the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.

To ease congestion on the main day, LWHPP is encouraging senior citizens, the chronically ill, and persons with disabilities (OKUs) to perform their prayers and vows earlier, preferably a week before Thaipusam.

According to Rayer, this approach is intended to allow these groups to worship in a safer and more comfortable environment.

Emergency response measures are also being stepped up

Several ambulance units will be stationed within the temple vicinity, supported by fire and rescue personnel, doctors, and volunteer medical officers.

A treatment tent will also be set up near the temple, which is accessed via 513 steps, ensuring medical aid is available at both the base and near the hilltop shrine.

This year's celebration will feature 175 Thaneer Panthals along the route leading to the temple, up from about 155 last year

These decorated Thaneer Panthals (refreshment/water shelters) are a hallmark of Penang's Thaipusam, offering free vegetarian food and drinks to devotees.

While welcoming the increase, Rayer reminded panthal operators to comply strictly with guidelines, including playing only religious songs, ceasing all music by 11pm on 1 February, and adhering to bans on entertainment music, firecrackers, fireworks, and alcohol consumption.

Discussions are also ongoing to coordinate the movement of the gold chariot belonging to LWHPP and the silver chariot of the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple, following past disputes over procession order.

"The most important thing is that we have reached an understanding. We will work together to organise the movement of the chariots to prevent disputes like those that occurred previously," Rayer said.

Both chariots will depart at the same time between 5am and 5.30am, with the silver chariot leaving from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple and the gold chariot departing from the Maha Mariamman Temple on Queen Street.