What is Thaipusam?

Thaipusam, or Thaipoosam, is a religious festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It falls on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). The word Thaipusam is a combination of the words Thai (name of the month) and Pusam (name of a star). The star is at its highest point during the festival. 

This festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati presented a Vel "spear" to Murugan so that he could vanquish the evil demon.

What happens during the festival?

In Singapore, devotees walk a total of 4 kilometres from one temple to another to celebrate the festival. Many people do this in the hot scorching sun. 

Devotees offer kavadi to Lord Muruga as it is believed to bring peace and good luck. Devotees prepare themselves for this ceremony by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for about 48 hours before Thaipusam. Kavadi bearers must consume pure Satvic food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God. It is said that they do not feel pain when being pierced by the kavadi.

Others may just carry a pot of milk on their heads, but having small Vel skewers pierced through their cheeks, tongues, mouths or arms is also a common sight. 

This festival is celebrated yearly in many different countries, mainly being India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia. It is also celebrated in countries such as the UK and USA!