Penang is preparing to welcome more than one million Hindu devotees and visitors for Thaipusam 2026, one of the state’s largest religious celebrations, scheduled to peak on February 1.
Deputy chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, R. Lingeshwaran, said the figure is expected to exceed last year’s turnout based on police records.
According to Lingeshwaran, the celebration will span three days from Saturday to Monday, with the main Thaipusam observance falling on Sunday, contributing to higher attendance.
He added that the resumption of direct flights from Chennai to Penang is expected to boost the number of foreign devotees, particularly from India.
Extensive preparations are being coordinated with the Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies to ensure crowd control, safety and smooth traffic management.
In a move to prioritise inclusivity and safety, organisers have introduced dedicated transportation services for elderly devotees and persons with disabilities to access the hilltop Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam temple.
This year, four-wheel-drive vehicles supported by volunteers are being used instead of manual assistance via steep staircases, reducing injury risks and exposure to respiratory illnesses.
One devotee, R. Punithavathi, expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying it enabled her wheelchair-bound husband to fulfil his religious vow safely.