Hindu devotees and stakeholders Channel NewsAsia spoke to welcomed the alcohol ban in Little India for Thaipusam this week. The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association said some drunken onlookers have delayed or disrupted the religious procession during Thaipusam, though not seriously.
SINGAPORE: Hindu devotees and stakeholders Channel NewsAsia spoke to welcomed the alcohol ban in Little India for Thaipusam this week.
Every year for the festival, devotees take part in a religious procession that passes through Little India.
Traditionally, those in the procession are not allowed to drink or smoke.
But the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association said over the years, some drunken onlookers have delayed or disrupted the procession, though not seriously.
Devotee Prethev Raj said: “I’m really happy that after all these years, they came up with this banning of alcohol. I strongly believe it (drinking) has been very disrespectful for the religion.”
S R Gopal, vice-chairman of Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association, said: “They are paying religious penance, so the accompanying team of people following them should be cordial, behaviourally good to the visitors and foreign tourists in town for this occasion.”