Every year, my brothers & family would gather at my house in Subang Jaya, before leaving for Batu Caves on the eve of Thaipusam. This year my niece, Shamini, and my sis-in-law, Kanga, carried the 'pal' (milk) kavadi. Shamini actually flew in the same night from Bandung, Indonesia to continue her vow which she started last year. By the time everyone gathered, it was already 11.30 p.m.
We parked the cars quite a distance away and walked to the river to start the procession. The place was already filling up with devotees and onlookers which made it difficult for us to reach the river. After prayers at the river, we joined the procession heading toward the Batu Caves stairs.
My elder brother with Shamini
Kanga performing pal kavadi with family
The walk towards the entrance was confusing this year. Due to the double tracking, the old crossing of the railway track was fenced up. The crossing of the track could only be done by using the ramp structure across the track or another temporary crossing quite a distance away from the road. There were no signs indicating the shortest route to the Batu Caves entrance and it created confusion to the devotees. We ended up taking the longer route by using the temporary route and everyone was wandering around finding the way! 
Crowd at Batu Caves
Statue of Lord Muruga
As previous years, it was a journey of faith along with thousands of other devotees which gave a sense of accomplishment after fulfilling the vows despite all the obstacles faced. We finally reached home at 4.00 in the morning.
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