Thaipusam traders happy to be back again
BATU CAVES - As much as the worshippers and visitors, the return of Thaipusam celebrations were relished by traders who have long looked forward to brisk business amidst the festivities here.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the return of the festival also saw a strong presence of traders catering to crowds that thronged the week-long expo in conjunction with the festivities.
Garments seller Komaladevi Ramasundram, 38, shared her excitement to be able to join the colourful festivities once again.
"The sales here today so far was good because of the many people coming for Thaipusam," she said.
Komaladevi said the temple visitors usually grabbed the opportunity to shop at the expo, especially for wedding supplies and festive goods ahead of Deepavali celebrations.
“It’s because they won't get prices this low after Thaipusam,” she told Sinar Daily.
Other than clothes, there were also traders selling traditional Indian food and accessories at the expo near the Batu Caves temple.
The well-known Indian art of henna design was also on sale at the expo, where visitors had their hands decorated with henna for as low as RM10.
Henna artist Chtira Paarthipan said business was so good that she had lost count of the customers she had after just half the day.
“I can’t remember how many clients I have today since there were so many people already. But I’m grateful that since we managed to celebrate the Thaipusam festival again here at Batu Caves, it has helped me in my business as well,” she said.
Apart from Malaysians, Chtira’s henna desk also attracted foreign visitors.
