By: Zaki Salleh
PANGKOR – Thousands of Hindus from all over the country are expected to come to Pangkor Island to celebrate the Masimagam 2023 festival at the Sri Pathira Kaliamman Temple here.
According to Hindu religious beliefs, Maasi means the month according to the Tamil calendar while Magam is one of the 27 stars in the Hindu astrology system.
The festival held to receive the blessing of the Goddess who is believed to take care of the sea usually falls between February and March.
Sri Pathirakaliamman Temple (also called Kali Amman Temple) is the only Hindu temple in Pangkor and also the only one facing the sea in Malaysia.
The foundation of the temple is believed to have been built in the late 19th century before being rebuilt and reopened in 2019 which now has a new temple.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Human Resources, V. Sivakumar this morning also joined the Hindu community in Pangkor to celebrate the festival.
Earlier, his arrival at the Pangkor Marina jetty was greeted by Pangkor assemblyman, Norhaslinda Zakaria.
According to Norhaslinda, the visit of Hindus from outside the state of Perak especially to celebrate the celebration also boosted the resort island.
He said, the chairman of the temple, Mohanadas Jayakrishnan estimated that 40 thousand Hindus will participate in this festival.
“It is my full hope that this year’s celebration will go smoothly and that all the plans made will have the cooperation of all parties.
“This to a certain extent will help stimulate local economic activities not only in Pangkor Island but also in the Seri Manjung district,” he said.
