Upcoming Annual Thaipusam

This year Thaipusam celebration falls from 29th - 31th January 2010. Thaipusam is a celebration for the Hindus which believes that on this day, Goddess Pavarthi gave her son, Murugan (Lord Murugan) the invincible vel (spear or lance) to defeat the evil asura (demons). Thus Thaipusam is a commemoration of the triumph of good over evil.

Two states which are expected to hold major celebrations are Penang (Waterfall - Botanical Garden) and Selangor (Batu Caves). This year, the Penang state government is expecting about 1 millions of devotees and tourists to flock the area for the celebration.

A rough information about Penang Thaipusam celebration:

Venue: Waterfall Temple

Time: 29th Jan; noon till 31th midnight

Attire: Casual (try not to wear attire that is exposing, respect the Lords and religions)

Entrance fee: Free

Going there: It is advisable to use public transportations (special bus specially for bringing devotees to Waterfall)

Some pictures show what Thaipusam is all about in the previous years.

For more info about Penang's Thaipusam celebration, you can always log on to HERE.

*We do provide transportations for those interested to go for the celebration in a big group (8-10 people) and the transportation fees can be negotiated. Those students who desired to go for Thaipusam with all your friends in a big group, don't hesitate to contact us via email pgtourism09@gmail.com

Chingay, Lion & Dragon Dance Parade

On the27th December 2009, the Penang Chingay Associations as well as the Lion & Dragon dance troops hit the street of Penang with their stunts and skills. This event is held annually after Christmas and this year parade brings up a new concept of 'Bangsa Malaysia' as we can see not only Chinese but Malay and Indian too joining the parade.

The parade is led by many Miss'es' of Penang and Miss'es' Pesta.

People are entertained by one of the best school band in Penang - Pipes and Drums of St. Xavier's Institution and Penang Chinese Girls School Band.

The uniform guys ensure the smooth of the parade :-) Thank you, Rela.

Float specially made by the Penang Chingay Association which is mounted Penang landmark such as the Fort Cornwallis's cannon, the Penang bridges, the ferry and the proudly stood tall, KOMTAR.

And here come what we are waiting for in the parade, Chingay stunts and skills:

I wonder how they able to balance such a big flag pole with only their head, jaws, shoulders and legs o.O

The dragon dance troops showing off their skills - is not easy for the dragon to follow the fireball

And here come the lion dance troops pulling out their stunts to the crowds, noticed the orange lion? It needs the people to pamper.

The Indians' sticks dance contingent, haha and look at the light blue shirt guy. I wish him 'Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year' as he walk toward us and he start dancing and blowing his whistle.

Another float, quite creative because the elephant able to sprinkle water out from it trunks and I told my friends, 'the elephant is wetting the road all the way.'

The female (red) and male (light blue) Dai Tou Fatt (read - Big Head Buddha). It is believes that the Big Head Buddha is send down from the heaven to tame the lion. So as you can see the following picture that the Dai Tou Fatt is taming the lion.

Even iPhone had involved into a size of a human.



The parade started from Padang Brown and ended in Esplanade and is fun to see different races in Malaysia come together to participate and enjoy the parade.