PENANG, Malaysia, January 1, 2026 (The Star): Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at the Vinayagar kovil, the Ganesha temple on Waterfall Road in Penang, for a Maha Kumbabishegam consecration ceremony marking the completion of a major restoration. Built in 1951 by the Hindu Mahajana Sangam, founded by Penang’s waterfront laborers, the temple holds deep historical and devotional significance for the local Hindu community. During the consecration, priests climbed scaffolding around the gopuram and other structures to pour theertham, or sacred water, over the assembled crowd. As the holy water rained down, devotees reached out to receive it, many touching it to their foreheads as a symbol of renewal. The ceremony marked the beginning of a 48-day Mandala Abishegam, a period of intensified daily worship following the reconsecration.

Source: thestar January 12, 2026 22:22 UTC