Bukit Mertajam "Teemeethi"...

Teemeethi translated "Walk the fire," is the name given to a Hindu religious festival by the locals. It's a mini Thaipusam but with a difference. Yearly, there are two grand festivals in Bukit Mertajam. One is the St.Anne's feast and the other is Teemeethi.

Teemeethi is celebrated in the all famous Hindu Mariamman Temple in Bukit Merjtam where my late grandfather, some seventy years ago resided as President of the temple. These 2 events, are unique in Malaysia for they attract thousands of people from all over the world.

I know you won't believe in this. And these two festivities are not listed anywhere in any tour guide booklets or phamplets.

Teemeethi starts with the morning kavadi bearers carrying purified 'milk' kavadis balanced on their heads whilst walking to renounce they penance to the temple. Towards noon, the man-made grand wooden Chariot pulled by scores of devotees and pilgrims leaves the Mariamman Temple for its annual procession.

Scores of crowd, Hindus and the Chinese throng the streets to pay vows and homage to goddess Mariamman. The breaking of coconuts in hundreds and offerings fill the air as the goddess is perambulated around the town of Bukit Mertajam.

Towards the evening, as the wooden chariot takes it final turn back to the temple, motley adored peacock decked kavadis follow the chariot onwards to the temple fulfilling their last penance and vows. Many kavadi bearers will brave and walk the hot coal to end their trance and long fastings.

As night falls, the day ends with lots of singing and dancing, whilst Lord Murugan in his colour decorated chariot with blinking neon and tungsten lights is taken for his annual night tour of the town.

Teemeethi is a grand and an old festival or carnival of Bukit Mertajam and yet it is eclipsed away from publicity. Why?

I'm serving a 1 year period of mourning so any religious festivities are 'out of bound'.