Friday, 29 Jan 2021 KUALA LUMPUR: Unlike the vibrant and colourful celebration of Thaipusam at the famous Batu Caves temple complex of years past, the occasion was marked under a subdued atmosphere this year. Despite the “new normal” that seemingly subdued the lively Thaipusam spirit, devotees at Batu Caves were cooperative with the authorities and abided by the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19. The low-key celebration was in respect of the ruling to cancel public events under the current movement control order. There was not the usual sight of a sea of devotees this time around, a far cry from previous years that would see thousands of them thronging Batu Caves with passionate displays of worship and colours.