In Pics | Annual Thaipusam Festival Kickstarts In Malaysia's Penang Island

The gold chariot bearing the idol of Hindu god Lord Murugan leaves a temple to mark the start of Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island. Thousands of people attended the annual procession celebrated by devotees in honor of the Hindu god to express their gratitude, fulfill vows, and perform penance.

The silver chariot bearing the idol of Hindu god Lord Murugan is paraded on a street during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.

A priest offers prayer on the gold chariot bearing the idol of Hindu god Lord Murugan during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.

Hindu devotees smash coconuts during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.

Hindu devotees smash coconuts during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.

The gold chariot bearing the idol of Hindu god Lord Murugan is paraded on a street during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.

Hindu devotees parade the silver chariot bearing the idol of Hindu god Lord Murugan during Thaipusam, an annual festival representing the struggle between good and evil, on Penang Island.