Thaipusam is a festival that can’t be described easily. It is a deeply meaningful religious festival celebrated by Tamil communities, focused on spiritual purification and faith. It’s not only about processions or fasting—it means endurance, profound faith, and extreme acts of devotion.
To understand this celebration better, this article offers everything you need to know.
William Cho, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
.jpg){kind=link}
What is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated by Tamil communities around the world. It pays homage to the Hindu god Murugan, the god of war, and commemorates his victory over the demon Surapadman. Thaipusam is a time for devotees to express their devotion through acts of penance and piety, often involving elaborate rituals and processions.
This festival is celebrated in several countries with a significant Tamil population, including:
- India: As the original site, it is celebrated in parts of southern India, with Tamil Nadu as the main center.
- Malaysia: With thousands of devotees in this country, the festival is widely famous, especially at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur.
- Singapore: Similar to Malaysia, it has a large community of devotees who participate in processions starting at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and continuing to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
- Rest of the world: Although to a lesser extent, there are many other countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, Indonesia, and even the United States.
Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash
When is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam in 2025 will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11. It is observed according to the Tamil lunar calendar, during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai, which generally falls between January and February in the Gregorian calendar.
Due to the nature of the lunar calendar, the date of Thaipusam varies each year in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date is determined when the full moon coincides with the ascension of the star Pusam (also known as Pushya) in the month of Thai.
The celebration of Thaipusam follows a similar pattern in the different countries where it is observed. It often lasts one day, starting in the early morning. Its main event is the procession, along with religious chants and offerings, as well as meditation and prayer moments.
The festival ends with final rituals at the destination temple, and it sometimes extends into the evening.
Why Is Thaipusam Celebrated in Tamil?
For the Tamil population, the Thaipusam festival is filled with religious significance. It means one of the most widespread human feats: the victory of good over evil. Especially in Tamil Nadu, where Murugan is one of the most revered deities, and his worship is widely common in the local culture.
An example of this is the six sacred temples, known as the Aaru Padai Veedu (Six Abodes of Murugan), which are considered the most important for his worship.
Additionally, Thaipusam is an expression of devotion and sacrifice. Devotees participate in rituals that include carrying a kavadi, an ornamental structure that symbolizes personal sacrifice, and the quest for blessings. This act is seen as a form of spiritual purification and a way to fulfill promises made to Murugan.
Likewise, devotees carry some extreme acts of mortification to demonstrate faith and devotion. They represent a path to redemption and a connection with the divine.
Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Story Behind Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a major Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the god Murugan, also known as Skanda or Karttikeya. For Hindus, Skanda is the god of war and is considered the first son of the god Shiva and his consort Parvati. Additionally, he is seen by the Tamil community as the “God of the people.”
In general, this festivity commemorates the moment when Skanda (Murugan) received a divine spear, called vel, from his mother, Parvati, to defeat Surapadman. This demon had been wreaking havoc among the gods, and Murugan, as the god of war, was sent to restore order.
The legend recounts that during the battle, Murugan used the vel to split the demon Surapadman in two. From that moment, one half of Surapadman turned into a peacock, which became Murugan’s vehicle (vahana), while the other half turned into a rooster, which became his emblem or banner.
Key Rituals of Thaipusam Festivals
The rituals of the Thaipusam festival are key to showing devotion to the god Murugan.
Here are some main rituals and their meaning:
Kavadi: The word kavadi comes from Tamil and means “burden” or “load” in English.
In Thaipusam, kavadi is a ritual where devotees carry a physical load as a sign of sacrifice and spiritual debt to Murugan. They carry decorated structures with peacock feathers and other ornaments. These structures, which can weigh up to 20 kilograms, are carried in processions to temples, symbolizing the weight of sins and thanks for blessings.
Body Piercing: Many devotees pierce their skin, tongue, or cheeks with hooks or needles as a form of penance. This is seen as a personal sacrifice to show devotion and seek purification.
Paal Kudam: During processions, some devotees carry paal kudam, pots of milk, as an offering to Murugan. This is done along with chants and traditional music, creating a strong spiritual vibe.
Barefoot Walks: Many participants walk long distances barefoot to temples as an act of penance, showing surrender and devotion.
Spiritual Preparation: Before the festival, devotees follow strict rules, like eating only vegetarian food, fasting, and avoiding pleasures, to purify themselves for the rituals.
Top Locations For Thaipusam Celebrations
The Thaipusam celebrations have spread across Tamil communities worldwide, with India, Malaysia, and Singapore being the most notable.
Here are the main places to experience Thaipusam celebrations:
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Temple, Palani, India
In Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of Thaipusam, the festival is celebrated in several key temples, like the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Temple in Palani.
There, you can experience the most traditional customs. The events include pilgrimages and rituals showing deep devotion to Murugan, lasting ten days and drawing thousands of worshipers.
Processions in Singapore
In Singapore, Thaipusam is celebrated with passion, starting at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ending at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
The procession covers about 4 kilometers, where devotees carry their kavadis and join in chants and rituals along the way. This event attracts a wide crowd of locals and tourists.
Jimfbleak., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Batu Caves, Malaysia
Located in Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a major spot for Thaipusam. The site features a huge statue of Murugan, standing 42 meters tall, and is central to the celebrations.
For the pilgrimage, devotees walk about 3 kilometers from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to the caves, climbing 272 steps to reach the main cave. This act shows devotion and the search for blessings.
Photo by Meimei Ismail on Unsplash
Thaipusam in Malaysia vs. Singapore: How They Differ?
Both Malaysia and Singapore offer an exceptional chance to experience Thaipusam.
-
Malaysia: The Batu Caves are known for their impressive natural setting and the monumental Murugan statue. The celebration here is more traditional, focused on self-flagellation rituals, and many devotees engage in extreme acts of devotion.
-
Singapore: The festival in Singapore takes place through the colorful streets of Little India. The celebration is more inclusive for tourists and focused on cultural and community experiences.
What To Do On Thaipusam Day
- Fasting: Although not mandatory for tourists, many devotees fast before the festival.
- Prayer: Participating in community prayers at the temples is a meaningful way to experience devotion.
- Observing Kavadi Aattam: As a tourist, you can observe the kavadi ritual, where devotees carry decorative structures on their shoulders.
- Photography: Capturing moments of the festival through photography can be a beautiful way to remember the experience.
- Joining the Processions: If you have the chance, join the processions at the temples. The walks are long and can be challenging, but they offer total immersion in the culture and devotion of the festival.
- Paal Kudam: Some tourists may participate by carrying paal kudam, containers of milk offered to Murugan.
- Enjoying Traditional Food: During the festival, there are many chances to enjoy traditional Tamil food.
Tips for Tourists Attending Thaipusam Festival
- Research the festival: Before attending, get acquainted with the history and rituals of Thaipusam.
- Dress modestly: Wear modest and comfortable clothing, preferably in light colors. Avoid revealing clothes, as it is a religious event.
- Observe with respect: If you decide to observe rituals such as the kavadi or self-flagellation, maintain a respectful distance.
- Avoid intrusive photos: Avoid pointing your camera directly at the faces of devotees during prayer or sacrifice.
- Plan your route: Areas around the temples, like the Batu Caves in Malaysia, can be very crowded. Consider using public transportation, such as trains or buses, to avoid parking issues.
- Stay Connected with Yoho Mobile: With mobile data, you’re always connected and informed. Yoho Mobile eSIM offers you reliable internet access no matter where the celebrations take you. It’s the easiest and fastest solution—perfect for travelers who want to stay online while enjoying the festivities.
🎁 Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!🎁Enjoy a 12% discount on your orders with Yoho Mobile. Use the code 🏷 YOHOREADERSAVE 🏷 at checkout. Stay connected and save more on your trips with our eSIM. Don’t miss out—start saving today! |
FAQs
Is Thaipusam A Public Holiday In Malaysia?
Yes, Thaipusam is a public holiday in Malaysia. The festival is observed as a public holiday in several states, including Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan.
Is Thaipusam A Public Holiday In Singapore?
No, Thaipusam is not an official public holiday in Singapore. Although it is an important celebration for the Tamil Hindu community, the government of Singapore has not declared it as a public holiday.
What is the Cultural significance of the Thaipusam Festival in Malaysia?
The festival symbolizes the battle between good and evil, and it is a time for devotees to seek blessings, protection, or forgiveness from Murugan. It also reinforces the cultural identity of the Tamil community in Malaysia and around the world.