Live music at Thaipusam for first time in 40 years

SINGAPORE - More than 20,000 devotees took part in this year's Thaipusam procession on Sunday (Jan 24), local media reported. The Hindu festival falls on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, and is in honour of Lord Murugan.

It is the first time this year that live music is allowed as it was previously banned due to concerns over unruly behaviour in the past.

As regulations were relaxed this year, there were three live music stages and seven music transmission points along the 4-km route that spanned from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road.

Mr R. Jayachandran, chairman of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB), also told The Straits Times (ST) that there were about 330 kavadi carriers this year, compared to 250 last year.

The number of police and volunteers have also been increased this year to ensure proceedings are conducted safely, according to the Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam, who was at the event.

"The key is to ensure that a small group doesn't hijack the whole festival and create law and order issues," he said.

According to ST, there were some people that did not observe queues and climbed over the walls to get into the crowded temple. However, Mr Shanmugam noted that majority of the devotees helped the procession run as smoothly as possible.

"There are safety issues, beyond law and order. Last year, the festival was hijacked by a small group who attacked the police. We hope that doesn't happen."

At last year's Thaipusam, three men had assaulted police officers after another group was told to stop the use of traditional drums by organisers.

maryanns@sph.com.sg