CHAP GOH MEH
Date: 6 February 2012
Celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year, it is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. On this night, with the full moon shining down, young ladies of marrying age venture out to popular sea promenades to throw oranges into the sea, wishing for a good soul mate.
THAIPUSAM
Date: 6-8 February 2012
(Main celebration on 7 February 2012)
Time: 6am-11pm
Venue: From Little India to Waterfall (via Jalan Dato Keramat)
Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar and is normally held during the last week of January or the beginning of February. During this celebration, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then 60 Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road.
The tradition of breaking of coconuts is carried out the day before to "clean" the roads for this divine journey. The devotees then go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of thier bodies as an act of penance.
Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums of devotional song are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will fulfill their vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required.
