KUCHING: Hindus celebrated Thaipusam at the Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple in Jalan Ban Hock here modestly, complying with Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures throughout.
“During normal times, there will be a procession in town, starting from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Rock Road to Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple in Jalan Ban Hock.
“Devotees will join the procession. However, as we are still experiencing the pandemic, there are no such procession in order to curb the spread of the virus,” Hindu Temple Association Kuching president V. Sahundararaju told the media on Tuesday (Jan 18).
He added that only the ‘paal koodam’ (procession of carrying milk pots) and prayer activities would be allowed.
A women is seen pouring milk into a milk pot for offering. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni 
The women clad in Indian traditional outfit carrying “paal kudam” (milk pot) for the offering to Lord Murugan while walking in a small procession in the temple compound as to abide by the SOP that has been set for this festive. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni
“The kavadi-carrying practice is still not allowed.
“Similarly with the piercing activity, it cannot be done as we celebrate this festival inside the temple compounds — there can be no element of blood.
“We also don’t distribute pamphlets like in previous years because we don’t want to publicise this festival to prevent people from coming (to the temple) — we are worried we can’t control the crowd,” he explained, adding that only 50 devotees were allowed inside the temple and 120 devotees in the temple compounds at any one time.
The Hindus perform their prayer at Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple Jalan Ban Hock, Kuching. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni 
A faithful receives blessing. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni
Meanwhile, commenting on the small Indian population in Sarawak, Sahundararaju said Malaysia Hindu Sangam (Sarawak branch) would act as the coordinating body for all the temples in the state.
“Under the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), Hindu Sangam will represent us.
“So, anything we want to bring up (to the state level), we will go through them.
“Regarding the number of temples, we have one in Miri, Sibu already has a small temple and is currently building a bigger one while in Bintulu, there is land provided to build a temple.”
