THEPPA THIRUVIZHA IN TELUK BAHANG CONTINUES 129-YEAR SEA TRADITION, 30,000 DEVOTEES EXPECTED

By R. Ratcharathan

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The annual Maasi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha or the Floating Lantern Festival at the Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple, Teluk Bahang here is expected to attract 30,000 devotees this year, marking the 129th edition of the historic sea-based religious celebration.

Temple chairman A. Kanapathy said the traditional floating chariot festival which will be held on March 2 is rooted in the long-standing belief among early settlers and fishermen that the sea is a source of sustenance and divine blessings since 1897. 

“In the early days, fishermen and villagers here depended entirely on the sea for their livelihood. They believed the sea and sea god brought them prosperity and protection, thus they perform prayers and that continues today through this festival.

“Besides that, historical artifacts and old deity statues discovered during the temple’s early years were immersed in the sea, therefore we go to the sea and do the prayers, as we believe the divine presence remains,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama at the temple.

He explained that the Maasi Magam celebration in the Teluk Bahang event carries its own distinct heritage linked to the temple’s origins and ancient relics believed to be associated with the site.

Kanapathy said Maasi Magam is celebrated annually during the full moon between February and March every year besides ‘Maasi’ is the month in Tamil calendar while Magam is one of the 27 stars in Hindu astrology.

“We conduct special prayers at the sea to honour the deities and seek blessings. Devotees believe their prayers, offered with faith, have a strong chance of being fulfilled through the grace of god (Singamuga Kaliamman),” he said.

On preparations, Kanapathy said arrangements are progressing smoothly with support from the local community, including youths and women from Teluk Bahang village, as well as 30 to 50 volunteers from outside the area.

He noted that the day’s programme will begin at 6.30am with milk pot offerings, followed by temple rituals and special prayers while annadanam (food offering) will be held at noon and main special evening pooja at 6pm will precede the procession of the deity to the sea.

He said more than 60 stalls are expected to operate during the festival, offering a range of items and foods to visitors and devotees.

On crowd management, Kanapathy said the temple committee is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other relevant agencies such as Civil Defence Force (APM) and People's Volunteer Corps (RELA) to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety throughout the event.

Theppa Thiruvizha in Teluk Bahang, which takes place by the sea, features a lavishly adorned floating chariot illuminated with lights and decorated with flowers, carrying the temple’s deities.

Thousands of devotees will also release lantern-like lights into the sea while making wishes during the chariot procession, creating a vibrant and spiritually significant spectacle along the coastline.

-- BERNAMA