A Hindu priest, Marimuthu, is seen leading the crowd to a fire-walking ceremony in Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman temple in Air Itam which attracted the devotees on April 10, 2016. — Sunpix by Masry Che Ani
GEORGE TOWN: Hindu devotees braved the heat as they walked barefoot over a bed of hot charcoal during a fire-walking ceremony at the centuries-old Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman temple in Air Itam on Sunday night.
The ceremony began after the chariot of Goddess Mariamman completed its journey around Air Itam at about 9.30pm on Sunday night.
More than hundreds of devotees took part in the ceremony which attracted many Penangites, eager to get a glimpse of the sacred ritual.
Religious music and prayers also filled the air when the devotees started to walk through the burning hot charcoal during the ceremony.
The tradition is a yearly affair where devotees fulfill their vows to the goddess.