However, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng attended the tea reception.
Also in attendance were MIC president Dr S Subramaniam and other MIC leaders, according to a report in The Star.
The report said it was believed that Ramasamy had rebuffed the invitation because no protocol was accorded him when he visited the temple last year.
For the first time, Penang witnessed two chariot processions: the regular silver chariot run by the Nattukotai Chettiars and the new golden chariot introduced by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board which Ramasamy heads.
The golden chariot carrying the vel (spear of Lord Muruga which symbolises wisdom and willpower) made its maiden journey from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Queen Street to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple at 5am on Feb 9.
About 90 minutes later, the silver chariot with the statue of Lord Muruga, consecrated in 1854, began its journey from the Chettiar-owned Kovil Veedu on Penang Street to the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple.
Ramasamy, according to The Star, has been hitting out at the Chettiars for not being transparent regarding donations received during Thaipusam.
To break the monopoly of the silver chariot, which has been operating for 162 years, Ramasamy introduced the golden chariot with the backing of the state government.
The report said this had caused a split among devotees, the Tamil community in particular.
The religious procession itself has become political as the golden chariot is supported by DAP, while the silver chariot has the support of MIC, according to a report in The Star.
Asked to comment on the golden chariot after the gathering, Dr Subramaniam said it was his personal view that the chariot was unnecessary.
“While the Penang Hindu Endowment Board may have its reasons to unveil the chariot, the disparaging remarks on a particular community are uncalled for,” The Star quoted Dr Subramaniam as saying, in reference to Ramasamy’s criticism of the chettiar temple trustees.
Dr Subramaniam also chided Lim and Ramasamy for giving political speeches during Thaipusam.