I was a devotee carrying a pot of milk as part of a vow at last month's celebration of Thaipusam.

When the first batch of devotees were allowed to start fulfilling their vow by walking from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road at midnight, the road traffic was relatively brisk.

We had to stop at practically every traffic light during our procession.

Except for the road turning into the procession's destination at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road, our route remained open to traffic.

Roads were closed or traffic diverted for more than a day during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Both occasions involved many people and public safety.

Thavamany Thavi Balakrishnan (Ms)