KUALA LUMPUR: For many parents, Thaipusam is not only a time to fulfil personal vows but also an opportunity to introduce their young children to faith, culture and sacrifice. Teacher Thanaletchume Kitna­morti, 46, said this year marked the first time her five-year-old son carried a paal kudam up the steps of Batu Caves. Starting them young: (Top) Lenon (left) and Kalapana with their daughter on their first trip as a family to Batu Caves to celebrate Thaipusam. (Right) Thanaletchume’s five-year-old son (right) carried ‘paal kudam’ up the stairs for the first time, while her eldest son (left) has carried it a couple of times. “I carried the paal kudam while my wife carried our girl.

Source: The Star February 02, 2026 09:35 UTC