I HAVE carried the kavadi during Thaipusam for many years. My children have been involved as well and they say this year's arrangements have been the best so far.
Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran have given objective analyses of the debate over Thaipusam and I agree with them ("Shanmugam clears the air on Thaipusam"; Feb 7 and "Rules for street events 'for public good'"; Feb 6).
Credit must also go to the Hindu Endowments Board and the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple authorities for organising this event progressively well over the years.
However, I also agree with Mrs Parvathi Annanth and Mr Sunil Sudheesan that light music is an integral part of the Thaipusam procession, to lighten the burden of the kavadi carriers and help them in meditation when carrying the kavadi ("Netizens question ban on playing of music at festival"; Feb 5).
I suggest that CD players be permitted to play religious music at a certain decibel to be determined by the authorities.
Musical instruments, traditional or otherwise, would delay the progress of the procession. This is particularly so when young men get carried away and become oblivious to their surroundings.
So, musical instruments should not be used on the road. They should be confined to temple premises, instead.
There is no need for Thaipusam to be a public holiday. I agree with Mr Jason Heng Lit How that Singapore can ill afford it ("Don't be complacent about our cost-effectiveness"; last Thursday).
But all Hindus who wish to participate in the event should be allowed to attend, particularly civil servants. Evidence of participation could be in the form of receipts issued by the temple.
I agree with the Manpower Ministry's Mr Alvin Lim that the current arrangements have served us well and we should maintain the status quo ("Thaipusam as public holiday: MOM replies"; last Saturday).
Sukumaran Nair
Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran have given objective analyses of the debate over Thaipusam and I agree with them ("Shanmugam clears the air on Thaipusam"; Feb 7 and "Rules for street events 'for public good'"; Feb 6).
Credit must also go to the Hindu Endowments Board and the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple authorities for organising this event progressively well over the years.
However, I also agree with Mrs Parvathi Annanth and Mr Sunil Sudheesan that light music is an integral part of the Thaipusam procession, to lighten the burden of the kavadi carriers and help them in meditation when carrying the kavadi ("Netizens question ban on playing of music at festival"; Feb 5).
I suggest that CD players be permitted to play religious music at a certain decibel to be determined by the authorities.
Musical instruments, traditional or otherwise, would delay the progress of the procession. This is particularly so when young men get carried away and become oblivious to their surroundings.
So, musical instruments should not be used on the road. They should be confined to temple premises, instead.
There is no need for Thaipusam to be a public holiday. I agree with Mr Jason Heng Lit How that Singapore can ill afford it ("Don't be complacent about our cost-effectiveness"; last Thursday).
But all Hindus who wish to participate in the event should be allowed to attend, particularly civil servants. Evidence of participation could be in the form of receipts issued by the temple.
I agree with the Manpower Ministry's Mr Alvin Lim that the current arrangements have served us well and we should maintain the status quo ("Thaipusam as public holiday: MOM replies"; last Saturday).
Sukumaran Nair
