YAB Chow Kon Yeow visited the Thaipusam celebration

YAB Chow Kon Yeow Visited The Thaipusam Celebration

YAB Chow Kon Yeow Visited the Thaipusam Celebration

YAB Chow Kon Yeow ๆ›น่ง€ๅ‹ visited the Thaipusam celebration today, joining devotees on a walkabout along the procession route. Accompanied by PHEB Chairman YB RSN Rayer, Jelutong and Commissioners, he stopped by several panthals to meet volunteers, greet devotees, and appreciate the dedication behind each offering of service.

A meaningful show of unity, respect, and Penang spirit honouring a festival that continues to bring our communities together in devotion and tradition.
Thaipusam turut sumbang

Thaipusam Turut Sumbang Kepada Sektor Pelancongan, Ekonomi Setempat – Ketua Menteri Kon Yeow

Thaipusam Turut Sumbang Kepada Sektor Pelancongan, Ekonomi Setempat - Ketua Menteri Kon Yeow

Ketua Menteri Chow Kon Yeow berkata secara keseluruhan, Thaipusam membuktikan kepelbagaian budaya dan agama bukan sahaja memperkukuh perpaduan rakyat selari dengan Visi Penang2030 dan gagasan Malaysia MADANI tetapi juga menjadi pemangkin pembangunan sosioekonomi negeri.
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Press Update Thaipusam 2026

Press Update | Thaipusam 2026

PRESS UPDATE | THAIPUSAM 2026

Following the press conference by PHEB Chairman YB RSN Rayer, Jelutong, we wish to reiterate that the Golden Chariot will depart at 5:30 AM tomorrow, 31 January 2026, from the Queen Street Sri Mariamman Temple, leading this yearโ€™s Thaipusam procession.

This year, Penang also introduces Pantau 3.0 โ€” the latest upgrade of the stateโ€™s official GPS tracker under the Penang Digitalisation Initiative.

Built to support visitors, organisers, and enforcement agencies, Pantau now features an updated interface with enhanced tools such as:
โ€ข HD surveillance streaming at the Temple Main Entrance
โ€ข Precision geospatial tracking of the Golden Chariot
โ€ข Predictive arrival analytics
โ€ข Dynamic traffic intelligence with real-time road closures
โ€ข Integrated mobility info for shuttle buses and ferry services

Pantau forms a key part of Penangโ€™s Smart City vision, supporting safer, smoother, and more data-driven management of Thaipusam.

Access the Pantau Golden Chariot Tracker 2026 throughout the festival to stay informed and plan your journey.

A special thank you to the Ketua Polis IPD Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang for the strong support and clear coordination.

Wishing all devotees a safe and blessed Thaipusam.
 
 
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Music To Cease at 11pm on Thaipusam For Safety Reasons But Celebration Goes On, says Rayer

Music To Cease at 11pm on Thaipusam For Safety Reasons But Celebration Goes On, says Rayer

Music played by thaneer panthal operators will stop by 11pm on Feb 1 as part of measures to prevent crowd surges and improve public safety during this yearโ€™s Thaipusam celebrations in Penang.

Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer, Jelutong said only a centralised sound system covering about 1.5km from Jalan Brown to Jalan Kebun Bunga will continue playing religious music until midnight.
 
A kavadi artisanโ€™s story

Where art meets devotion: A kavadi artisanโ€™s story

Where Art Meets Devotion: A Kavadi Artisanโ€™s Story

When we think of Thaipusam, what comes to mind are the vibrant, colourful kavadis, carried with devotion through bustling streets, as devotees seek blessings, fulfill vows, or express their gratitude to Lord Murugan. These kavadis are more than just decorative structures, as they are symbols of devotion.

For the artisans who create them, kavadi-making is far more than a business, it is a deeply spiritual craft, rooted in passion, purity, self-discipline, and unwavering dedication.

Self-taught kavadi maker K. Pragalathen, 45, who has dedicated more than two decades to handcrafting intricate kavadis, echoed this sentiment.
175 refreshment stalls to line route to temples

PHEB: 175 Refreshment Stalls to Line Route to Temples

PHEB: 175 Refreshment Stalls to Line Route to Temples

DURING the three days of Thaipusam, thaneer panthal (makeshift refreshment) stalls will line the route to temples. They are usually set up by families, temples and community groups.

These panthals are an integral part of the festival with volunteers ladling out cool water, spiced buttermilk, tender coconut, lime juice and herbal drinks, while others distribute fruits, sweet porridge, curd rice and simple vegetarian fare.

From 2023, the Go Green concept was initiated during the festival with most panthals refraining from using polystyrene cups and containers, and also reducing food wastage.

Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer, Jelutong said there would be a total of 175 thaneer panthal stalls this year providing free refreshments, up from 155 the previous year.
 
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Track the Golden Chariot this Thaipusam!

Track the Golden Chariot this Thaipusam!

New year, new interface โ€” smoother, faster, smarter.
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๐Ÿ•• Departure: 6:00 AM, 31 Jan 2026
๐Ÿ•ก Return: 6:30 PM, 2 Feb 2026
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PHEB and Digital Penang are rolling out the next-gen Golden Chariot Tracker โ€” rebuilt for real-time clarity and a safer pilgrimage journey. Expect a much more polished experience this year:
โœจ Sharper Live Views
HD stream from the Temple Main Entrance for real-time crowd visibility.
๐Ÿ“ก Pinpoint Location Tracking
Follow the chariotโ€™s exact movement with upgraded geospatial data.
โณ Smarter ETA Forecasts
AI-assisted predictions based on previous yearsโ€™ movement patterns.
๐Ÿš— Dynamic Traffic Insights
Live updates on road closures and recommended alternative routes.
๐ŸšŒ Integrated Mobility Info
Free shuttle bus & ferry status โ€” right at your fingertips.
๐Ÿ”” Instant Safety Alerts
Receive important announcements directly from the command centre.
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This Thaipusam, tradition meets technology โ€” helping devotees stay informed, safe, and connected every step of the way.
Have a blessed and meaningful Thaipusam 2026. ๐Ÿ™
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Thaipusam 2026 โ€“ Road Closure Notice

Thaipusam 2026 โ€“ Road Closure Notice

As we prepare for Thaipusam 2026, please take note of the scheduled road closures around the Waterfall Temple area.

โฑย Road Closure Period
12:01 AM, 31 January 2026 (Saturday)
โ€“ 4:00 AM, 2 February 2026 (Monday)

These closures are implemented to ensure smooth movement for devotees and the safety of everyone during the festival.

We encourage all devotees, visitors, and Penangites to plan your journey early, expect delays, and follow traffic guidance from PDRM and RELA on duty.

Letโ€™s work together to make Thaipusam 2026 safe, smooth, and meaningful for everyone.