experience is simply the name we give our mistakes: ~ wangge' wangge' ~

With all the kavadi(s), 'gendang'(s), lights, dances, etc etc, the streets of Ipoh were very lively last night. Yea, it was Thaipusam which is a day to celebrate for the hindus to thank Lord Muruga - if I'm not mistaken.

sudah 'high'...dancing till like wat oni....

As a Malaysian myself, though a chinese, I joined the parade too to support our so-called 'semangat muhibah'. =p

It was planned actually and joined a couple of friends, Benji, Patrick, Suk Wai and later joined by Yoshita. Ben and i started from at 6pm from the temple in Buntong to witness some rituals before the kavadi-carriers carry their kavadi(s). In fact, a lot of rituals and steps they had to do or procedures I would put it. I was actually shocked when I saw a friend, Selva (an ex-Michaelian) who was one of the kavadi-carriers. At one minute, he was still himself preparing for the ceremony but the next minute, he fell on to the floor nad being not 'himself' anymore. It was just too quick.

at the temple

-the transformation-
top: selva during the rituals
bottom: 'selva' resting

Then, both of us walked to "Little India" to meet up with Patrick and Suk wai who were left out by Matthews. LOL... We wanted to walk to Padang Ipoh but headed to a coffeeshop to have our dinner. We had some 'hor hee' except Benji who was vegetarian yesterday. Next, we headed to the Padang Ipoh to wait for Selva as according the Matthews, they're on their way. And to my surprise, there, i met a few fellow old schoolmates.

Later, joined Matthews and the gang but later, stayed back to wait for another kavadi which was beautifully decorated with lights. Next, we walked back to RHB Bank to meet up with Yoshita. We had another shock as we saw a group of people with candles and a banner to voice out their opinions about ISA (Internal Security Act). They were calling out "MANSUHKAN... ISA!!!''

look at that.. children, too were in the protest

Soon, we walked back to join Selva. We passed Yik Foong, The Store, roundabout, the St John's office and to the temple. The best part was when we were walking past the KFC outlet as the 'ISA' group were there resting. Hence, we 'potong' them and walked in front of them. Then, an uncle was passing fliers to us but they were in mandarin, then we exchanged for the ones in BM. So, as usual we continued our journey and to our surprise, the 'ISA' group began to start their journey as well. They were right behind us. The five of us looked as though we were like the leaders of the big crowd. HAHA!!! We were worried, so we sped away. LOL!!

We took around one hour plus plus from The Store to YMCA as the streets were crowded like hell.Stalls were set up, people were eating and stopping wherever they like in the middle.Then, a phone call from Ai Yean saying she would like to join us as she was around the GH but we continued as Ben had to meet up with his family. However, she had to leave early so she did not join us, too bad. But when we reached the temple, we saw Selva and followed him into the temple (leaving Ben's family-hehe).

It was like totally packed at the temple, full of people, can't really move at all. It wa the first time i entered the temple. And also the first time for me to be there during thaipusam. We witnessed some kavadis being removed from the kavadi-carriers, prayers to the Lord Murugu (though i dont understand anything at all) and lastly, Selva completing his journey before all the hooks were removed from his back.

Lord Muruga

Later, we headed to the TLS (Thamil Language Society) stall. Thirushankar, Sambruce and a few more were there. We had our late supper at a vegetarian restaurant, Lotus before goin back home.

Yoshita's kind parents sent Ben and I to Ben's house while Patrick and Suk Wai in their car. Poor Ben then had to send me home at midnight, hehe. Thanx alot Ben!!

Well, that's about it I guess.
Till then, tata!

~random~