New Features To Enhance Thaipusam Chariot Tracking Experience

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The Penang Waterfall Nattukotai Chettiar Temple has upgraded its Silver Chariot Tracker website this year with new features in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration on Feb 11, aiming to enhance the experience for Hindu devotees and ease their journey.

Nattukotai Chettiar Temple managing trustee Dr A. Narayanan said the upgraded Silver Chariot Tracker 2025 would provide more than just the movement of the Silver Chariot, featuring new additions such as multi-language support and real-time updates.

He said this year, users could track the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple’s Kavadi to witness their Kavadi Aatam (a traditional kavadi dance) as it leads up to the 131-year-old chariot’s journey via the tracker website (www.chariottracker.com).

bootstrap slideshow

“Devotees will now also be able to access details on road closures, traffic control points, and historical checkpoints along the chariot's nine-kilometre procession route.

“We have also upgraded it with multi-language support, including English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese,” he explained at a press conference at the Veedu Kovil Temple here today.

Narayanan noted that the Silver Chariot would begin its traditional journey from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang at 7 am on Feb 10, passing through Chulia Street, Gat Lebuh Chulia, Victoria Street, Gat Jalan Prangin, Lebuh Bridge, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat, and was expected to arrive at the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple on Waterfall Road before midnight.

bootstrap slideshow

For the return journey, he said the Silver Chariot would depart from the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple between 6.30 pm and 7 pm on Feb 12 and was expected to arrive at the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple at 8.30 am on Feb 13.

To help speed up the chariot's journey, he encouraged devotees to break coconuts in front of the chariot when it was about 100 metres away, ensuring the procession continues smoothly and arrives at the temple on time, followed by prayers before Thaipusam day.

With large crowds expected, Narayanan also urged devotees to remain extra vigilant with their belongings and jewellery during the chariot procession and throughout the Thaipusam festival to ensure personal items were secure and avoid any mishaps.

Earlier, the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (LWHPP) chairman RSN Rayer said a tracking system for the Golden Chariot had also been enhanced with new features this year, allowing devotees to access real-time information more easily through the "Pathrikai & Chariot Tracker" app.

The Golden Chariot will depart the Maha Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen at 6 am on Feb 10. It will arrive at the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple at Jalan Kebun Bunga the following day. The chariot will return to the Maha Mariamman Temple on Feb 12 and is scheduled to arrive on Feb 13.

More than 1.5 million Hindu devotees from across the nation and tourists are expected to throng Penang for this year’s Thaipusam festival, which falls on Feb 11.

-- BERNAMA