THAIPUSAM IN SABAH: A SHOWCASE OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- The Thaipusam celebration in Sabah is a clear reflection of the harmony and unity among Malaysians, with people from various races and religions coming together to make it a joyous occasion.

At the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Kok Lawi here, the heavily Hindu ritual-infused atmosphere was further enlivened by the large presence of visitors from other races - such as Malay, Chinese, Kadazan and Dusun - symbolising the spirit of communal togetherness.

Syazwani Abd Harun, 27, came to the temple, the Hindu community's main centre of worship here, to show her support for her father-in-law, who is carrying a kavadi, and to take part in volunteer activities.

She described the presence of people of various races as a symbol of unity that is entrenched in the daily lives of Sabahans, who have always believed in living in harmony and mutually respecting each other's cultures and beliefs.

"Even in our own family, it has always been like that as we have a mix of Indians, Muslims and Chinese. In Sabah, we have always mixed around,” she told Bernama while distributing food to visitors.

As Miko Yinyiing, a 33-year-old Kadazan Christian woman, the Thaipusam celebration showcases the uniqueness of the people of Sabah, who respect each other's cultures and beliefs.

  She said she has been attending the Thaipusam celebration for the past five years, drawn to the uniqueness of the Hindu culture and its festive atmosphere.

"I came here to celebrate Thaipusam with my friends. Yes, Sabah is so unique because of this,” she said.

Meanwhile, the temple's president, Capt M. Shamaladevi, shared that preparations for the Thaipusam festival at the temple, built in the 1970s, were aided by non-Hindu communities, reflecting the spirit of muhibbah (camaraderie) and values of togetherness that have become pillars of harmony among Sabahans.

"Here, despite our different ethnic backgrounds, we remain united whenever there is a festival, and that's what differentiates us and makes us unique,” she said.

Thousands of Hindus thronged the Lok Kawi Beach as early as 5 am today, before walking about five kilometres to the Sri Subramaniar Temple to celebrate Thaipusam.

-- BERNAMA