ChristenHii: cleanup

2026-02-18T09:45:34Z

cleanup

Show changes

119.74.102.123 at 13:20, 3 March 2023

2023-03-03T13:20:38Z

Show changes

imported>KN2731: Undid revision 1030632275 by KN2731 (talk) nvm, self-rv

2021-06-27T04:44:25Z

Undid revision 1030632275 by KN2731 (talk) nvm, self-rv

New page

{{Short description|Tamil Hindu festival}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox holiday |
|holiday_name= Thaipusam
<br /> தைப்பூசம்
|image= Thaipusam Murugan.jpg
|caption= Murugan during Thaipusam in Malaysia.
|nickname= தமிழர் திருவிழா{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
|observedby= [[Hindu]] [[people|Tamils]], [[Hindu]] [[Malayalis]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Sri Lankans]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Malaysians]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Singaporeans]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Indonesians]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Caribbeans]], [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Fijians]], and [[Hindu]] [[Tamil Mauritians]]
|date= decided by the [[Tamil calendar]].
|observances=
|celebrations=
|type= Tamil
|longtype= Ethnoreligious
|significance= The festival commemorates the occasion when [[Parvati]] gave [[Murugan]] (aka [[Kartikeya]]) a [[Vel]]
|scheduling = First full moon in the month of Thai in the [[Tamil calendar]]
|date2020= Saturday 8 February
|date2021= Thursday 28 January
}}

'''Thaipusam''' or '''Thaipoosam''' ({{indic|lang=ta|indic=தைப்பூசம்|trans=Taippūcam}}), is a festival celebrated by the [[Tamil people|Tamil]] [[Hindu]] community on the full moon in the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Thai'' (January/February), usually coinciding with [[Pushya]] star, known as '''Poosam''' in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] or '''Pooyam''' in [[Malayalam]]. The festival is also observed among [[Keralites]] and is vernacularly called '''Thaipooyam''' ([[Malayalam]]: {{lang|ml|തൈപ്പൂയം}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thaipooyam Mahotsavam, Harippad, Festivals, Alappuzha festivals|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/event/thaipooyam-festival-haippad/46|access-date=2021-05-08|website=Kerala Tourism|language=en}}</ref>

It is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/festivals/thaipusam/ |title=Malaysia : AllMalaysia.info has all you want to know about Malaysia |publisher=Allmalaysia.info |access-date=6 January 2011}}</ref> [[Mauritius]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism-mauritius.mu/discover/festivals.html|title=Festivals, Cultural Events and Public Holidays in Mauritius|publisher=Mauritius Tourism Authority|access-date=28 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120005942/http://www.tourism-mauritius.mu/discover/festivals.html|archive-date=20 January 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> as well as other places where ethnic [[Tamil people|Tamils]] reside as a part of the local [[Non-Resident Indian and Person of Indian Origin|Indian diaspora]] population such as Canada, [[Singapore]],<ref>[http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/thaipusam/ Thaipusam in Singapore].</ref> [[South Africa]], the United States, [[Réunion]], Indonesia, Thailand, [[Myanmar]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], [[Jamaica]] and the other parts of the [[Caribbean]].

It is a national holiday in many countries such as [[Malaysia]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Mauritius]]. In India [[Tamil Nadu]] state is declared for holiday. In certain states of [[Malaysia]] and in the nations of [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Mauritius]], it is also a government and a bank holiday.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The word ''Thaipusam'' is a combination of the name of the month, ''Thai'', and the name of a star, ''Pusam'' (Tamil word for [[Pushya]]; Malayalam word - Pooyam). This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when [[Parvati]] gave [[Murugan]] (aka [[Kartikeya]]) a [[Vel]] "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon [[Soorapadman]] and his brothers. It is also commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; though some other sources suggest that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May/June), is Murugan's birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://murugan.org/research/duraiswamy-vaikasi-visakam.htm |title=Vaikasi Visakam and Lord Murukan LALALALA|publisher=Murugan.org |access-date=6 January 2011}}</ref>

==Origin==
{{Hinduism}}
{{Kaumaram}}
This festival was (according to one tradition) said to have been supposedly created during one of the battles between the [[Asuras]] (or to be more specific [[Soorapadman]]) and the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]]. At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to recognise that day the people created the festival, Thaipusam.

According to the [[Hindu]] [[Purana]] Skanda Puranam, the legend of Murugan, and Thirupugal which are divine verses on Murugan, adhere to Shaivam principles. Murugan is the embodiment of Shiva's light and wisdom and devotees pray to him to overcome the obstacles they face, as He is the divine vanquisher of evil. The motive of Thaipusam festival is to pray to God to receive his grace so that bad traits are destroyed.<ref name="Significance of Thaipusam">[http://omtamil.com/home/significance-of-thaipusam Significance of Thaipusam] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213214046/http://omtamil.com/home/significance-of-Thaipusam/ |date=13 February 2013 }}, OmTamil published 15 October 2012</ref>

==''Kavadi Attam''==
The ''[[Kavadi Attam]]'' ("''kavadi'' dance") is a ceremonial act of devotional sacrifice through dance, food offerings, and bodily [[self-mortification]]. It is often performed by devotees during the festival of Thaipusam in honor of [[Murugan]]. The ''kavadi'' is a semicircular, decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that the pilgrim carries on their shoulders to the temple. The devotee makes the pilgrimage (the ''nadai payanam'') with bare feet, bearing food offerings on the ''kavadi''. Depending on the location of the temple, this walk to the temple can take more than a week. The temple of Murugan in Palani is a popular destination, as it is one among the ''arupadai veedu'' ("six houses" - the sites sacred to Murugan). The Palani Murugan temple also has a reputation as a place of healing. Bogar (an ancient siddhar and devotee of Murugan) made the statue of Murugan in Palani, with the mixture of several sidhha medicines.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

Devotees prepare for the celebration by keeping their body always clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting before the Thaipusam. ''Kavadi''-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the ''kavadi'' and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The ''kavadi''-bearer observes celibacy and consumes only certain types of foods known as ''[[Sattva|satvik]]'' food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God. On the day of the festival, devotees shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route, while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying the various types of ''kavadi''. The devotees believe that worshiping lord Murugan every year in this way makes them physically and mentally healthy, and helps clear them of karmic debts they may have incurred.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

At its simplest, the pilgrimage may entail walking the route carrying a pot of milk, but [[mortification of the flesh]] by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with ''vel'' skewers is also common. In addition, some pierce their tongues or cheeks, all the way through, with a small spear.<ref name="Palani Thai Pusam">[http://palani.org/taippucam.htm Palani Thai Pusam], accessed 5 December 2006</ref>

A similar practice is performed by the [[Nagarathar]] community in [[Pazhani]], India. This is known as the [[Nagarathar Kavadi]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

==Thaipusam in India==
In Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple, 10 day Festival (Brahmotsavam) is held during Thaipusam. Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) will be held on the day before Thaipusam. On Thaipusam, Therottam will be held. Lord Muthukumaraswamy will bless devotees in Thanga Guthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse), Periya Thanga Mayil Vahanam (Golden Peacock), Theppotsavam (Float Festival) during the 10 day festival.

In Chidamabaram (Thillai) Panchamurthi Veedhi Ula, Thirthavari, Thaandava Darsanam Aarthi will be held on Thaipusam. In Madurai Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Theppotsavam (Float Festival) will be held at Mariammam Theppa Kulam. In Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple, 3 Day Theppotsavam will be held during Thaipusam Pournami.<ref>{{cite web|last1=K|first1=Kandaswamy|title=Thaipusam in Palani, Tamil Nadu (India)|url=https://skanda-news.blogspot.com/2016/12/when-is-thaipusam-thai-poosam-palani-pusam.html|website=Live Trend|publisher=K Kandaswamy|access-date=23 November 2017}}</ref>

In Karnataka - Bangalore - Ulsoor @ ಶ್ರೀ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ, ತೈಪೂಸಾ ತಿರುನಲ್ಲು ಮತ್ತು ತೆಪ್ಪೋಚವ is conducted during this auspicious month and day of every year. This is now more than 50 years (in 2019, they celebrated golden jubilee year)

==Outside India==
Outside India, Thaipusam celebrations also takes place in countries such as Malaysia, the United States, Mauritius, South Africa and Singapore.<ref>[http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/a/thaipusam.htm Thaipusam celebrations in South East Asia.]</ref>

It is a public holiday in several states in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the temple at [[Batu Caves]], near [[Kuala Lumpur]] & [[Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang]] near [[George Town, Penang]] & [[Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple, Penang]] and Kallumalai Murugan Temple, Ipoh, Perak, often attracts over one million devotees and tens of thousands of tourists.<ref>[http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/2/2/nation/16758526&sec=nation 1.3 million mark Thaipusam – Star newspaper.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403161059/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F2%2F2%2Fnation%2F16758526&sec=nation |date=3 April 2007 }}</ref>

In [[Singapore]], Hindu devotees start their procession at the [[Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple]] in the early morning, carrying milk pots as offerings or attaching "[[kavadi]]s" and spikes pierced on their body.<ref>{{cite web |last=Loh |first=Larry |url=http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/play/highlights-thaipusam-2010-700793 |title=Thaipusam 2010: Faith, ritual and body piercings |publisher=CNNGo.com |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=6 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614211128/http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/play/highlights-thaipusam-2010-700793 |archive-date=14 June 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The procession travels for 4 kilometres before finishing at Tank Road, [[Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Singapore|Sri Thendayuthapani Temple]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=25114 |title=Thaipusam | Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore, Singapore |publisher=Whatsonwhen |date=24 November 2010 |access-date=6 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722035136/http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/?fx=event&event_id=25114 |archive-date=22 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Cheney S|title=8,000 Hindu devotees take part in Thaipusam festival |work=Channel News Asia|date=8 February 2009|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/407611/1/.html}}</ref><ref>(1996) Pancorbo, Luis: "Los picados de Thaipusam" en "Fiestas del Mundo. Las máscaras de la Luna". pp. 85–93. Ediciones del Serbal. Barcelona. {{ISBN|84-7628-168-4}}</ref>

Thaipusam in [[Mauritius]] is celebrated with thousands of attendees taking [[Cavadee]].
While the festival is celebrated across the country, the grandest one is always at [[Kovil Montagne]] (Sri Siva Subramanya Thirukovil).
Nestled in [[Corps de Garde]] Mountain in [[Quatre Bornes]], it was founded in 1890 by a humble and pious Tamil Indian immigrant, Velamurugan.

Also celebrated at nearby islands of [[Seychelles]] and [[Réunion|Reunion]]

Thaipusam [[Kavady]] ceremony is celebrated in cities of [[Durban]] ([[Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramonior Temple]]) and [[Cape Town]] of [[South Africa]].

At [[Fiji]], the Thaipusam Festival is celebrated at Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, [[Nadi]] Town.

In [[Indonesia]], the procession mainly held in the capital of [[North Sumatra]] province, [[Medan]]. On the eve of Thaipusam, the Hindus gathered together at ''Sree Soepramaniem Nagarattar Temple'' at ''Kejaksaan Road'' to accompanying a 125 years old [[chariot]] or locally known as ''Radhoo'' from the temple to the main temple
nearby (about {{convert|2|-|3|km|mi|frac=2|disp=or}}) at [[Sri Mariamman Temple, Medan|Sri Mariamman Temple]] at [[Kampung Madras]] which opens 24-hours for the festival. The ''kavadi'' procession are also happening at the day, but it takes on different temples around Medan and other parts in the province depends on them celebrate it.

In the [[United States of America]], the Shiva Murugan Temple in [[Concord, California]] celebrates the Thaipoosam preceded by a walk. Some people walk more than {{convert|46|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} from the city of [[Fremont, California|Fremont]], some walk {{convert|21|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} from the city of [[San Ramon, California|San Ramon]] to Concord, and most walk {{convert|7|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}} from Walden Park in [[Walnut Creek, California|Walnut Creek]] to Concord. Over 2000 people participated in the walk for last several years.{{citation needed|date=February 2017|reason=Usually 800 people walk. There may be 2000 at the festival in Concord}}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="140" heights="180">
Image:Thaipusam3.jpg|Devotees carry ''''paal kudam'''' offerings at Thaipusam festival
File:Batu Cave Thai Pusam 1985.jpg|Batu Caves, Malaysia during Thai Pusam 1985
File:Thaipusam in Mauritius - January 2011 (5372544017).jpg|Thaipusam in [[Mauritius]]
File:A day of devotion – Thaipusam in Singapore (4316108409).jpg|Thaipusam procession in [[Singapore]]
File:Penang thaipusam Silver chariot.jpg|Silver chariot procession on Thaipusam eve in Penang, [[Malaysia]]
File:Penang thaipusam Kavadi procceession.jpg|Penang thaipusam kavadi procession
File: Thaipusam Festival Singapore.webm|Thaipusam in Singapore. Video clip
Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 01.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 01.
Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 02.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 02
Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 03.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 03
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Hinduism in Southeast Asia]]
* [[Hinduism in Malaysia]] and [[Hinduism in Singapore|Singapore]]
* [[Malaysian Indian|Indians in Malaysia]] and [[Indians in Singapore|Singapore]]
* [[Thai Poosam Kavady]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Thaipusam}}
* [http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/thaipusam/tamil-thaipusam-date.html Thaipusam date calculator] As the date of Thaipusam is determined based on the position of the Sun and the Moon the date varies slightly depending on where you are. When using this link check the city that the web site is calculating for and adjust it if needed.
*[https://hinduifestival.com/thai-pusam-2021-date-time/ Thai Pusam 2021 Date and Time] Thursday 28 January

{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Public holidays in Malaysia}}

[[Category:Festivals in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Religion in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Hinduism in Singapore]]
[[Category:Tamil festivals]]
[[Category:January observances]]
[[Category:February observances]]
[[Category:Kaumaram]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Nepal]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Mauritius]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in South Africa]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Guadeloupe]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Réunion]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Thailand]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Observances held on the full moon]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]

Thaipusam - Revision history

ChristenHii: cleanup

119.74.102.123 at 13:20, 3 March 2023

imported>KN2731: Undid revision 1030632275 by KN2731 (talk) nvm, self-rv