Penang:<Text>

The Penang Waterfall Nattukotai Chettiar Temple has officially introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced chariot tracking system for the Silver Chariot procession in conjunction with Thaipusam, marking a technological milestone in the festival's long history. Nattukotai Chettiar Temple managing trustee PRC Veerappan announced that the tracker will provide real-time location updates and estimated arrival times for devotees following the procession.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Veerappan stated, "This year, we are officially launching our own tracker under a new domain, Silver Chariot Penang. It is enhanced with AI and calibrated using data collected over the past two years to provide more accurate timing predictions," during a press conference at the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple. He highlighted the historical significance of the century-old chariot, built in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India, and shipped to Penang in January 1894. This year marks its 13 2nd year, while the main chariot procession enters its 169th year, having taken place annually without interruption, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Silver Chariot, which replaced a wooden chariot used for 35 years, now stands 23.9 meters high and weighs five tonnes. Veerappan emphasized the chariot's regular maintenance, which is handled by volunteers spanning three generations of the same families, reflecting the deep heritage and continuity behind the procession. "For weeks before Thaipusam, volunteers carry out greasing, polishing of the silver components, lighting repairs, and other servicing works to ensure the chariot is in perfect condition," he added.

Veerappan also clarified that 16 pairs of bulls, totaling 32 bulls, will be used to pull the chariot, with pairs rotated approximately every 500 meters to prevent fatigue, dismissing speculation that only a few pairs were repeatedly reused. He confirmed that the procession route remains unchanged while the temple has formally requested permission from the authorities for an earlier start time of 5.30 am on Jan 31 to reduce delays and allow religious rituals at the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple to be conducted more smoothly.

The Silver Chariot will begin its journey from the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang on Jan 31, passing through Chulia Street, Victoria Street, Maxwell Road, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Western Road before arriving at the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple. For the return journey, the chariot is expected to depart from the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple at 6.30 pm on Feb 2 and will arrive at the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple at 8.30 am on Feb 3.

The Thaipusam celebration in Penang is unique as it is observed a day earlier, known as 'Chetti Pusam', featuring a procession by the Chettiar community carrying about 90 peacock kavadis alongside the silver chariot, further enriched since 2017 by the introduction of a golden chariot bearing the vel (spear), the sacred wea pon of Lord Murugan.