In the lead up to Thaipusam, a group of self-appointed moral police warned women attending the festivities to ensure they are dressed appropriately or risk being "spray-painted".

The group, whose warning went viral on Tamil-speaking and groups catering to ethnic Indian Malaysians on Facebook, said this included "fashion" saree blouses which are deemed too revealing for the Hindu festival.

Following a public outcry and police warnings, no such vigilante acts took place during the event on Thursday.

The warning nevertheless inspired artist Ruby Subramanian to paint women's bodies so they will look like Hindu goddesses.

But even Ruby's take on the situation received frowns from some who believe the fashion-inspired photo shoots of the painted women diluted the spiritual objective of Thaipusam.