One of the significant festivals of the Tamil community is celebrated in various Southeast Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, and others. Each year, approximately two million individuals pay tribute to Lord Murugan. Thaipusam takes place on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), when the moon shines at its brightest. It takes place on the day when the moon moves through the star known as “Pusam” or “Poosam/Pushya.” The name Thaipusam is derived from two words: Thai, which refers to the 10th month according to the Tamil Almanac, and the name of the star Pusam.
Thaipusam 2025 Date
Thaipusam will begin on February 11th . During this time, the star Pusam is at its highest point.
Thaipusam serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, commitment, and faith as well as the victory of good over evil. Devotees gather during this time to ask for blessings, make promises, and thank Lord Murugan for his direction and answers to prayer.
Thaipusam is thought to commemorate the day when the goddess Parvati delivered the “spear” to Murugan (also called Kartikeya, brother of Ganesha and son of Parvati and Shiva) so that he may defeat the bad demon Soorapadman (son of asur Vajranaga). Devotees honor Lord Murugan on this day by praying and self-mortifying throughout the temples.
Celebration of Thaipusam Festival
During the Thaipusam celebration, a large number of devotees conduct the Kavadi Dance. It is a type of sacrifice offered in reverence to Lord Murugan. The Kavadi Attam is a long bamboo pole with weightless bamboo pails at both ends that are filled with flowers or other objects that a devotee has committed to hold. The devotee carried it on their shoulder as they walked a great distance, swinging and dancing.
Devotees travel a long way to visit renowned temples dedicated to Murugan, such the Thaipusam temples in Singapore and Sri Lanka, the Batu Caves in Malaysia, and Palani in Tamil Nadu. Walking barefoot, fasting, and carrying offerings like fruits or milk pots (Paalkudam) are common aspects of the journey.
To symbolize the sacrifice of speech, Hindu devotees get metal rods pierced in their cheeks. Some worshippers even stab hooks in their backs to pull chariots.
