Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb).

Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival.

The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (spear) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.

Thaipusam is more about devotion and love towards Lord Muruga. In all Hindu scriptures surrendering to the lord was well emphasised but in recent times the celebration of spiritual festivals has been turned into fun fairs.

Arvind Raj, a senior member of the forum said: "The truth about Batu Caves is, it has no system at all, everyone implements their own rules. Garbage is thrown everywhere and the atmosphere doesn't reflect a holy place. "

The festival has been turned into be a fun fair without the real motive of the Thaipusam.

Since it is a holy festival, we are suggesting the Hindu Sangam and Maha Mariamman authorities make traditional wear compulsory for devotees.

Men should wear the dhoti or least the kurta and for women, the sari or chudithar. We have received multiple complaints that women are wearing sexy clothes like short pants or tights.

Our religion never taught anyone to wear sexy dresses to temples. Dress guidelines will align followers to the customs and culture of holy places.

During this Thaipusam, we were extremely shocked with two kavadis that carried the Manchester United football club logo and the DAP logo.

It is high time to control superstitious worship and get back to the real Thaipusam. Many of our members are asking for immediate action.

It was also observed that the Tamil hit song ‘Why This Kolavery' was widely used for kavadi dances.

Youngsters have never been taught about the history and importance of such festivals for many years. And eventually festivals become more like a street dance event.

The police even stopped devotees (especially kids and women) who were holding Pal Kudam and Kavadis from entering the main gates and diverted them through the exit gate as the main gate was blocked for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Rahman.

The police should have arranged alternate routes for devotees and should have managed the crowd better.

I personally have seen the same festival in the same shape 30 years ago and now in 2012, things have not changed.

It is high time for the authorities to intervene and take stern action in future to make this festival one that showcases our true Tamil culture and customs.