‘Theppa Thiruvizha’ Shines Bright With Floating Lanterns Amidst Light Showers In Penang

GEORGE TOWN, March 12 (Bernama) -- Over 30,000 Hindu devotees from across the country braved the rain that lasted throughout the day, to gather and seek devine blessings by celebrating the vibrant Maasi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha, or the Floating Lantern Festival, here today.

Celebrated at the Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple, Teluk Bahang, the festival which began almost 128 years ago, takes place during the full moon and holds special significance for devotees who seek blessings from the sea goddess believed to protect the seas. 

The event started with prayers at the temple at 6pm, followed by the procession of the main chariot adorned with lights and flowers, carrying the temple deity on a journey to the sea.

Devotees, many of whom arrived by bus from various parts of the country, released decorative floating lanterns into the sea, with the lanterns placed on banana stems and lit with natural oil lamps.

Meanwhile, the route leading to the temple here was decorated by stalls that sold food, drinks and clothes besides ‘panthal’ offering free vegetarian food and drinks to devotees.

Temple advisor Dr. Harris Satiamurthi said this year's Maasi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha celebration was a testament to the deep cultural roots and unwavering devotion of the community, as thousands gathered despite the rain to honor traditions that have been passed down through generations.

He explained that Maasi Magam is celebrated annually during the full moon between February and March every year besides ‘Maasi’ is the month in Tamil calendar meanwhile, Magam is one of the 27 stars in Hindu astrology.

“According to Hindu beliefs, the festival is a tribute to the sea goddess who protects the oceans. Those days, this area was a fishing village and many Indian fishermen family lived here, they celebrated it in small scale then,” he told Bernama here tonight.

Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) Chairman P. Prabakaran and Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament Ramkarpal Singh

The festival, considered auspicious, marks a time when celestial deities are believed to come down to earth to bless water bodies such as rivers, seas, and lakes. 

Devotees at the festival took part in a ceremonial procession to the sea, symbolically offering their prayers and receiving blessings.

— BERNAMA