Tourist Attractions in Malaysia and Annual Thaipusam Festival 2013

The Batu Caves site of the annual Thaipusam Festival is a popular tourist attraction site in Malaysia, located seven miles (13 kilometres) from Kuala Lumpur. The caves became famous after William Hornaday recorded them in 1878. They serve as the sacred place for the Hindus community in Malaysia. To reach Batu Caves, take a taxi or a bus (number 11 or 11d). You can catch the public buses at Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in the capital city. On arrival, long tailed macaque monkeys will welcome you. They love crisps and peanuts, which can be bought in the numerous shops around the entrance.

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Thaipusam festival 2013

Batu caves consist of three main caves and numerous small ones. The caves are carved out of limestone and their dimensions depend on each cave. The Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave is the biggest and the most famous of the all the Batu Caves. To ascend to Cathedral Cave, you will have to climb over 270 stairs curved out of limestone. The ceiling of this cave is 100 meters above the floor. The cave is illuminated by natural light passing through openings in the ceiling. The Cathedral Caves houses ornately painted sculptures of different Hindu gods. The gods are specially placed to tell an allegory from Hindu Holy Scriptures.

The Dark Cave is situated below the Cathedral Cave. This cave stretches over two kilometres and is home to a number of cave animals. To tour this cave, an advance booking must be made through Malaysian Natural Society. The tour requires physical fitness, sturdy shoes and extra clothes to change.

The Art Gallery Cave is found at the base of the staircase. It houses paintings that illustrate scenes from Hindu belief and sculptures of Hindu gods. At a small fee charged at the entrance, you will be able to view and take pictures of this delicate artwork.

The Annual Thaipusam Festival 2013

Thaipusam festival commemorates the day Goddess Parvati conferred upon her son the lance to conquer Sooraapadam, the evil demon. This lance signifies divine insight, the ability to distinguish the good from evil and righteousness. However, According to many Hindus, Thaipusam means the birthday of Lord Murugan. Thaipusam is celebrated on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. The celebrations take place in the duration of the full moon in late January and the starting of February. Thai is the month between January 15 and February 15, while Pusam is a star, which is at its brightest during this period. The Thaipusam festival is celebrated in many parts of the world where there are large groups of southern Indians. The next Thaipusan Festival is January 2013. The manifestation the Thaipusam of the festival is held at Penang and Batu Caves in Malaysia. The festivities at Batu Caves offer exceptionally thrilling and unforgettable spectacle. During the festival, over one million people (tourists and devotees) tour the magnificent Batu caves. The festival can last between three to four days. Devotees carry kavadis, a large structure with metal spits and hooks, which are used to pierce the skin, tongue and cheeks. Thaipusan is annual festival that will leave you asking for more.

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