Thaipusam: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by KN2731
Last edited February 18, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m cleanup
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Tamil Hindu festival}}
{{Short description|Tamil Hindu festival}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{good article}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox holiday|
{{Infobox holiday|
| holiday_name  = Thaipusam
| holiday_name  = Thaipusam
<br /> தைப்பூசம்
| image        = Penang thaipusam Kavadi procceession.jpg
| image        = Thaipusam Murugan.jpg
| caption      = Chariot of [[Murugan]] during Thaipusam festivities in Malaysia
| caption      = A statute of deity [[Murugan]] during Thaipusam in Malaysia.
| nickname      =  
| nickname      =  
| observedby    = [[Hindus]] in [[South India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Singapore]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[Australia]], [[Kenya]], [[Russia]], [[Mauritius]]
| observedby    = Primarily [[Tamil Hindu]]s in [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Indonesia]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[Caribbean]], [[Mauritius]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]] and [[United States]]
| date          = First [[Purnima]] that falls in the [[Tamil calendar|Thai month]].
| date          = First [[Purnima|full moon]] coinciding with [[Pushya|Pusa]] [[nakshatra]] in the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of [[Thai (month)|Thai]]
| observances  =  
| observances  =  
| celebrations  =  
| celebrations  = [[Kavadi Aattam]]
| type          = Tamil
| type          = [[List of Hindu festivals|Hindu]]
| longtype      = Hindu
| significance  = Commemoration of [[Murugan]]'s victory over [[Surapadman]]
| significance  = A historical day of [[Murugan]]'s victory over [[Surapadman]] and his brothers.
| date2026     = Sunday, 1 February
| scheduling    = First full moon in the month of Thai in the [[Tamil calendar]]
| date2023     = Sunday, 5 February
| date2024      = Thursday, 25 January
| alt          =  
| alt          =  
}}
}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2022}}
{{Kaumaram}}
 
'''Thaipusam''' or '''Thaipoosam''' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]: Taippūcam, {{IPA|ta|t̪əjppuːsəm|IPA}}) is a [[Tamil Hindu]] festival celebrated on the first [[Purnima|full moon]] day of the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of [[Thai (month)|Thai]] coinciding with [[Pushya|Pusam]] [[Nakshatra|star]]. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] god [[Murugan]] over the [[asura|demon]] [[Śūrapadmā|Surapadman]]. During the battle, Murugan is believed to have wielded a [[vel]], a divine spear granted by his mother, [[Parvati]].
'''Thaipusam''' or '''Thaipoosam''' ({{Lang-ta|தைப்பூசம்|translit=Taippūcam}}) is a [[Tamil Hindu]] festival celebrated on the [[Amavasya|full moon]] of the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of ''Thai'' (January/February), usually coinciding with [[Pushya]] star, known as Pusam in [[Tamil language|Tamil]].  
 
The festival commemorates the legend of the goddess [[Parvati]] offering her son, [[Murugan]] ([[Kartikeya]]) a [[vel]] (a divine spear) so he could vanquish the [[asura]] [[Śūrapadmā|Surapadman]] and his brothers. It is also commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; though some other sources suggest that the date of Vaikasi Visakam, which falls on the Vaikasi month (May/June), is Murugan's birthday.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vaikasi Visakam and Lord Murukan LALALALA |url=http://murugan.org/research/duraiswamy-vaikasi-visakam.htm |access-date=6 January 2011 |publisher=Murugan.org}}</ref>


Thaipusam is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, [[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 |archive-date=23 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323191334/http://allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/festivals/thaipusam/ |url-status=dead }}</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]].
The festival includes ritualistic practices of [[Kavadi Aattam]], a ceremonial act of sacrifice carrying a physical burden as a means of balancing a spiritual debt. Worshipers often carry a pot of [[cow milk]] as an offering and also do [[mortification of the flesh]] by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with ''vel'' skewers. Devotees prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.


It is a national holiday in many countries such as [[Malaysia]] and [[Mauritius]]. In India its a state holiday in [[Tamil Nadu]]. In certain states of [[Malaysia]] and in the nations of [[Mauritius]], it is also a government and a bank holiday.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
Thaipusam is observed by [[Tamils]] in [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Southeast Asia]] notably in [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], and [[Indonesia]]. It is also observed by other countries with significant Tamil diaspora like [[Fiji]], [[Mauritius]], [[Seychelles]], [[South Africa]], [[Canada]], the [[Caribbean]] countries including [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and [[Guyana]], and in countries with significant Indian migrants like the [[United States]]. It is a public holiday in Mauritius, select states in Malaysia and in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]].


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The name ''Thaipusam'' is a portmanteau of the name of the Tamil month of ''Thai'', and the name of the [[Nakshatra|star]], ''Pusam'', the Tamil rendering of the [[Sanskrit]] [[Pushya]]. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The name of the star is rendered Pooyam in [[Malayalam]].
Thaipusam is a portmanteau of two [[Tamil language|Tamil]] words: [[Tamil calendar|Tamil month]] of [[Thai (month)|Thai]] and the name of the [[Nakshatra|star]] [[Pushya|Pusam]], denoting the day of occurrence of the festival.<ref name="PS">{{cite book|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia|first=Christian|last=Roy|year=2005|isbn=978-1-8510-9689-3|page=462-463|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing}}</ref>


==Legend==
== Theology ==
{{Hinduism}}
According to the [[Skanda Purana|Kanda Puranam]] (the Tamil version of the Skanda Purana), three [[asura]]s (a race of celestial beings) [[Śūrapadmā|Surapadman]], [[Tārakāsura|Tarakasuran]], and Singamukhan performed austerities to propitiate the [[Hindu]] god [[Shiva]]. Shiva granted them various boons which gave them near-immortality and the ability to conquer the [[Trailokya|three worlds]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Dalal|first=Roshen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&dq=Kanda+Puranam+Murugan+Surapadman&pg=PT1190|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|date=18 April 2014 |publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-8-1847-5277-9|page=1190 }}</ref> They subsequently started a reign of tyranny in their respective realms and oppressed the celestial beings including the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] and other people. The devas pleaded Shiva for his assistance to put an end to the reign of Surapadman and the asuras. In response, Shiva manifested five additional heads and a divine spark emerged from each of the six heads.<ref name="Kanda">{{cite book|title=Sri Kandha Puranam|first=Akilā|last=Civarāman̲|isbn=978-8-1795-0397-3|page=55|publisher=Giri Trading|year=2006}}</ref> Initially, the wind-god [[Vayu]] carried the sparks, but the fire-god [[Agni]] took possession of them afterwards because of the unbearable heat. Agni deposited the sparks in the [[Ganges|Ganga]] river. The water in the Ganga started evaporating due to intense heat, and so the goddess [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]] took them to the Saravana lake, where each of the sparks developed into a baby boy.<ref name="Kanda"/> The six boys were raised by [[handmaiden]]s known as the [[Kṛttikā|Kṛttikās]] and they were later fused into one by [[Parvati]], thus giving rise to the six-headed [[Murugan]].<ref>{{cite book|title=God and Science|first=Sridharan|last=T.K.R|isbn=979-8-8870-4354-8|publisher=Notion Press|year=2022}}</ref>  
According to the [[Skanda Purana|Kanda Puranam]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&dq=Kanda+Puranam+Murugan+Surapadman&pg=PT1190 |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2014-04-18 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-277-9 |pages=1190 |language=en}}</ref> the Tamil iteration of the Skanda Purana, three asuras (a race of celestial beings) named [[Śūrapadmā|Surapadman]], [[Tārakāsura|Tarakasuran]], Singamukhan performed austerities to propitiate [[Shiva]]. The deity granted them various boons, including the ability to conquer the three worlds, as well as immortality. The three brothers subsequently oppressed the celestial deities known as the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] and started a reign of injustice and tyranny in their respective realms. When the deities pleaded Shiva for his assistance, he manifested five additional heads, and a divine spark emerged from each of them. Each spark developed into a baby boy, raised by the maidens known as the ''krrtikas'' (personifications of the [[Pleiades]]). When they were embraced by Parvati, the six boys fused into one, and the six-headed Murugan was born. Parvati granted him a divine spear, known as the [[vel]]. Accompanied by [[Veerabaahu|Virabahu]], his commander-in-chief, the former's eight brothers, as well as the forces of the devas, the deity waged war on the asura brothers. In the final phase of the conflict, Murugan battled Surapadman, who employed his magical arts to fight the deity. Murugan split the asura in two with his divine spear. Having been granted immortality, the two halves of the asura transformed into a mango tree and retreated to the ocean, intending to overwhelm the earth. When the deity bisected the tree, the asura turned into a peacock and a rooster. Murugan decided to adopt the peacock as his [[Vahana|mount]], and take on the rooster as his [[Cock flag|flag]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Belle |first=Carl Vadivella |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kB1qDwAAQBAJ&dq=thaipusam+Surapadman&pg=PT189 |title=Thaipusam in Malaysia |date=2018-02-14 |publisher=Flipside Digital Content Company Inc. |isbn=978-981-4786-66-9 |pages=189 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Juergensmeyer |first1=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B105DQAAQBAJ&dq=Thaipusam+peacock+rooster&pg=PA1267 |title=Encyclopedia of Global Religion |last2=Roof |first2=Wade Clark |date=2012 |publisher=SAGE |isbn=978-0-7619-2729-7 |pages=1267 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Chwalkowski |first=Farrin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W-22DQAAQBAJ&dq=Kartikeya+peacock+rooster&pg=PA476 |title=Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture: The Soul of Nature |date=2016-12-14 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |isbn=978-1-4438-5728-4 |pages=476 |language=en}}</ref>


Murugan is a deity associated with yogic discipline and austerities, and is regarded by his adherents to be capable of offering ''[[Moksha|mukti]]'' (spiritual liberation) to all those who venerate him.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kesavapany |first=K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ohxqDwAAQBAJ&dq=thaipusam+festival&pg=PT349 |title=Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia |date=2003-08-01 |publisher=Flipside Digital Content Company Inc. |isbn=978-981-4517-60-7 |pages=349 |language=en}}</ref>  
Parvati granted him a divine [[spear]] known as the [[vel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/vanquishing-the-demon/article30197138.ece|title=Vanquishing the demon|date=5 December 2005|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> Murugan was accompanied by [[Veerabaahu|Virabahu]] who served as his commander-in-chief and eight others, who were sons bore by nine [[shakti]]s who arose from the gems of the broken [[anklet]] of Parvati, when she ran from her seat due to the heat generated by the sparks emanating from Shiva.<ref name="Kanda"/> Along with the armies of the devas, Murugan waged war on the asuras. Murugan split Surapadman into two with his vel and the two halves transformed into a mango tree and later into a peacock and a rooster. Murugan adopted the peacock as his [[Vahana|mount]] and took the rooster as his [[Cock flag|flag]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Chwalkowski|first=Farrin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W-22DQAAQBAJ&dq=Kartikeya+peacock+rooster&pg=PA476|title=Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture: The Soul of Nature|date=2016-12-14|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=978-1-4438-5728-4|page=476}}</ref> Thaipusam festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Murugan over the Surapadman.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Juergensmeyer|first1=Mark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B105DQAAQBAJ&dq=Thaipusam+peacock+rooster&pg=PA1267|title=Encyclopedia of Global Religion|last2=Roof|first2=Wade Clark|date=2012|publisher=SAGE|isbn=978-0-7619-2729-7|page=1267}}</ref>


==Kavadi Attam==
Murugan is a deity associated with yogic discipline and austerities in Hinduism and is regarded by his adherents to be capable of offering [[Moksha|mukti]] (spiritual liberation) to those who venerate him.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kesavapany|first=K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ohxqDwAAQBAJ&dq=thaipusam+festival&pg=PT349|title=Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia|date=August 2003|publisher=Flipside Digital Content Company|isbn=978-9-8145-1760-7|page=349|language=en}}</ref>
The ''[[Kavadi Attam]]'' ("''kavadi'' dance") is a ceremonial act of devotional sacrifice through dance, food offerings, and bodily [[Mortification of the flesh|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 ''[[Six Abodes of Murugan|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}}
== Occurrence ==
Thaipusam occurs annually and is celebrated on the [[purnima|full moon day]] in the Tamil month of Thai on the confluence of star Pusam.<ref name="PS"/>


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>
== Practices ==
 
{{multiple image
A similar practice is performed by the [[Nagarathar]] community in [[Pazhani]], India. This is known as the [[Nagarathar Kavadi]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
|image_width=300px
 
|image1=Kavadi_dancer_6039398.jpg
== Thaipusam in India ==
|caption1=A Kavadi procession
{{Kaumaram}}
|image2=A day of devotion – Thaipusam in Singapore (4316108409).jpg
 
|caption2=Ritual piercing during Thaipusam
In Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple, 10 day Festival (Brahmotsavam) is held during Thaipusam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-22 |title=Thaipusam 2023 - Hindu Tamils Festival - Festival Traveller |url=https://festivler.com/festival/india/thaipusam-hindu-tamils/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |language=en-US}}</ref> Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) will be held on the day before Thaipusam. On Thaipusam, Therottam will be held. Lord Muthukumaraswamy will bless devotees in Thanga Kuthirai 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 Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple of Bangalore, thaipoosam 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)
 
The festival is also observed as Thaipooyam Mahotsavam<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> in the Shree Subrahmanya Temple in Alappuzha, Kerala.
 
==Outside India==
Outside India, Thaipusam celebrations also takes place in  countries such as Malaysia, the United States, Mauritius, South Africa and Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/a/thaipusam.htm |title=Thaipusam celebrations in South East Asia. |access-date=19 November 2010 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075029/http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/a/thaipusam.htm |url-status=dead }}</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|title= Thaipusam in Singapore: Piercings and Hooks and Skewers, Oh My! |url= https://thetravelsisters.com/thaipusam-singapore-guide/ | date=2015-06-04|website=thetravelsisters.com|language=en}}</ref><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 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|access-date=10 February 2009|archive-date=23 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623212931/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/407611/1/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>(1996) Pancorbo, Luis: "Los picados de Thaipusam" en "Fiestas del Mundo. Las máscaras de la Luna". pp.&nbsp;85–93. Ediciones del Serbal. Barcelona. {{ISBN|84-7628-168-4}}</ref>


Thaipusam in [[Mauritius]] is celebrated with thousands of attendees taking [[Kavadi Aattam|Cavadee]]. While the festival is celebrated across the country, the grandest one is always at [[Kovil Montagne]] (Sri Siva Subramanya Thirukovil).
[[Kavadi Aattam]] is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees during the Thaipusam festival. It forms a central part of the festival and symbolizes a form of [[debt bondage]]. ''Kavadi'' (meaning "burden" in Tamil) is a physical burden which consists of a semicircular piece of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure in its simplest form, that is balanced on the shoulders of the devotee. By bearing the Kavadi, the devotees implore Murugan for assistance, usually as a means of balancing a spiritual debt or on behalf of a loved one who is in need of help or healing.<ref name="Kent">{{cite book|last=Kent|first=Alexandra|title=Divinity and Diversity: A Hindu Revitalization Movement in Malaysia|publisher=[[University of Hawaii Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-8-7911-1489-2|page=170-174}}</ref> Worshipers often carry one or more pots of [[cow milk]] as an offering (''pal kavadi'') or other objects such as [[sugarcane]], [[tender coconut]], and [[flowers]].<ref name="Ho">{{cite book|title=Culture and Customs of Singapore and Malaysia|author1=Jaime Koh|author2=Lee-Ling Ho|year=2009|isbn=978-0-3133-5116-7|publisher=ABC-CLIO|page=176}}</ref> The most extreme and spectacular practice is the carrying of ''Vel kavadi'', a portable altar up to {{convert|2|m}} tall and weighing up to {{cvt|30|kg}}, decorated with peacock feathers and is attached to the body of the devotee through multiple skewers and metal hooks pierced into the skin on the chest and back.<ref name="PS"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Festivals of Malaysia|author=Gregory Leong|year=1992|isbn=978-9-6797-8388-9|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|page=10}}</ref><ref name="Hume">{{cite book|title=Portals: Opening Doorways to Other Realities Through the Senses|first=Lynne|last=Hume|year=2020|isbn=978-1-0001-8987-2|publisher=Taylor & Francis}}</ref><ref name="Kent"/>
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]]
People also do a form of [[mortification of the flesh]] by [[Body piercing|piercing]] the skin, tongue or cheeks with ''vel'' skewers and [[flagellation]].<ref name="TP">{{cite book|title=They Do What: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Extraordinary and Exotic Customs from Around the World|first=A.G.|last=Javier|year=2014|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NebIEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT387|isbn=979-8-2161-5549-2|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|page=387}}</ref> Since public [[Self-harm|self mutilation]] is prohibited by Indian law, these practices are limited in India.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Practical implications of Mental Healthcare Act 2017: Suicide and suicide attempt|first1=Laxmi Naresh|last1=Vadlamani|first2=Mahesh|last2=Gowda|journal=Indian Journal of Psychiatry|date=2019|volume=61|issue=Suppl 4|pages=S750–S755|publisher=National library of medicine, United States|doi=10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_116_19|doi-access=free|pmid=31040468|pmc=6482674 }}</ref><ref name="TP"/> [[Vibuthi]], a type of holy ash is spread across the body including the piercing sites. Drumming and chanting of verses help the devotees enter a state of [[trance]].<ref name="TP"/> Devotees usually prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.<ref>{{cite book|title=Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerals|first=Victoria|last=Williams|year=2016|page=334|isbn=978-1-4408-3659-6|publisher=ABC-CLIO}}</ref> They make pilgrimage with bare feet and dance along the route while bearing these burdens.<ref name="SI">{{cite book|title=South India|first=David|last=Abram|publisher=Rough Guides|year=2003|page=517}}</ref>


Thaipusam [[Kavady]] ceremony is celebrated in cities of [[Durban]] ([[Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple|Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramonior Temple]], [[Cape Town]] and Shree Sivasubramaniar Alayam of [[Palm Ridge]] in [[South Africa]].
== Areas of practice ==
=== India ===
Thai pusam is a major festival in the Murugan temples including the [[Six Abodes of Murugan|six abodes]] in [[South India]].<ref name="SI"/> In [[Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple]] in [[Palani]], the festival is celebrated over ten days known as Brahmotsavam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/thaipusam-2022-from-date-to-history-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-tamil-festival-10295631.html|title=Thaipusam 2022: From date to history, here's everything you need to know about the Tamil festival| date=18 January 2022|publisher=First Post|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=22 January 2023|title=Thaipusam festival - Palani|url=https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/thai-pusam-festival-palani-1| publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> At [[Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur]], where Murugan was supposed to have emerged victorious against the asuras, the festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year for the ritual procession.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/devotees-throng-tiruchendur-temple-for-thai-poosam/article4352921.ece|title=Devotees throng Tiruchendur temple for Thai Poosam|date=28 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> A float festival is held every year in the temple tanks in [[Meenakshi Temple]] in [[Madurai]] and [[Kapaleeshwarar Temple]], [[Mylapore]], [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theindiatourism.com/fairs-festivals-india/float-festival-madurai.html|title=Float festival, Madurai|publisher=India Tourism|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timescontent.timesgroup.com/photo/feature/Devotees/667939|title=Devotees at Kapaleeswarar temple Mylapore for the annual float festival on the occasion of the Thaipusam in Chennai|date=28 January 2021|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> The festival is also observed as Thaipooyam Mahotsavam in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Thaipooyam Mahotsavam, Harippad, Festivals, Alappuzha festivals|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/event/thaipooyam-festival-haippad/46|access-date=8 May 2021|publisher=Government of Kerala}}</ref> In 2021, the festival was declared a public holiday in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/thai-poosam-a-public-holiday-from-this-year/article33499884.ece|title=Thai Poosam a public holiday in Tamil Nadu from this year|date=5 January 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>


At [[Fiji]], the Thaipusam Festival is celebrated at Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple, [[Nadi]] Town.
=== Outside India ===
[[File:Penang_thaipusam_Silver_chariot.jpg|thumb|Thai pusam procession in [[Penang]], [[Malaysia]]]]


In [[Indonesia]], the procession mainly held in the capital of [[North Sumatra]] province, [[Medan]] and [[Palani Andawer Temple]], Aceh. 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
While the festival originated in India, it has spread across other countries with significant Tamil diaspora.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of Religious Phenomena|first=J Gordon|last=Melton|year=2007|page=332|isbn=978-1-5785-9230-2|publisher=Visible Ink Press}}</ref> It is celebrated in a much larger scale in some of the countries outside India.<ref name="PS"/> It is celebrated in [[Sri Lanka]],<ref name="TP"/> [[Myanmar]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mizzima.com/latest-news-life-news-features/myanmar%25E2%2580%2599s-tamil-community-works-maintain-their-culture|title=Myanmar's Tamil community works to maintain their culture|date=13 January 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Mizzima news}}</ref> and countries in [[Southeast Asia]] notably in [[Malaysia]],<ref name="Malay"/> [[Singapore]],<ref name="Sing"/> and [[Indonesia]].<ref name="Ind"/> It is also celebrated in other countries with significant people of Tamil origin like [[Fiji]],<ref name="Fiji"/> [[Mauritius]],<ref name="Mau"/> [[Seychelles]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nation.sc/articles/3419/hindu-community-decorate-the-streets-of-victoria-for-thaipoosam-kavadi-festival|title=Hindu community decorate the streets of Victoria for Thaipoosam Kavadi festival|work=Nation|date=10 February 2020|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> [[South Africa]],<ref name="SA"/> [[Canada]],<ref name="TP"/> the [[Caribbean]] countries including [[Trinidad and Tobago]],<ref name="TP"/> and countries with significant Indian migrants like the [[United States]].<ref name="US"/>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=V |first=Nirupama |date=2019-02-05 |title=Concord Temple Yatra: Unique Feat |url=https://indiacurrents.com/concord-temple-yatra-unique-feat/ |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Best Indian American Magazine {{!}} San Jose CA {{!}} India Currents |language=en-US}}</ref> The temple also organizes walks on other Murugan Festivals such as Vaikasi Visakam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Concord Temple Walk |url=https://walk.temple.org/ |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=walk.temple.org}}</ref>  
In Malaysia, the festival attracts thousands of people for the elaborate festivities at [[Batu Caves]] near [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang]].<ref name="Malay">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20110823-cave-party-malaysias-thaipusam-festival|title=Malaysia's Thaipusam festival|date=26 August 2011|newspaper=[[BBC]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Thaipusam in Malaysia|first=Carl Vadivella|last=Belle|year=2018|isbn=978-9-8147-8666-9|publisher=ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute}}</ref> In Singapore, devotees start the procession at [[Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple]] carrying milk pots and kavadis with spikes pierced on their body and proceeds towards [[Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Singapore|Sri Thendayuthapani Temple]].<ref name="Sing">{{cite web|url=https://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/thaipusam/|title=Thaipusam festival|publisher=[[Government of Singapore]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> Thaipusam in Mauritius is celebrated with thousands of attendees taking the ritual 'Cavadee' from Kovil Montagne.<ref name="Mau">{{cite web|url=https://mauritiusattractions.com/thaipoosam-cavadee-in-mauritius-i-347.html|title=Thaipoosam Cavadee in Mauritius|publisher=Mauritius attractions|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> In [[South Africa]], [[Thai Poosam Kavady festival in South Africa|Thaipusam Kavady]] is celebrated in [[Durban]], [[Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple|Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramonior Temple]] in [[Cape Town]] and Shree Sivasubramaniar Alayam in Palm Ridge.<ref name="SA">{{cite news|url=http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,102881,00.html|title=Hindus end ato nement festival of Kavady|work=SABC News|date=24 April 2005|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=24 April 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050424210903/https://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,102881,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Fiji]], the festival is celebrated at Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple in [[Nadi]] town and at the Sri Raj Mahamariamman Temple in Suva.<ref name="Fiji">{{cite news|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/02/04/hindu-devotees-brave-rain-water-cuts-in-fete/|title=Hindu Devotees Brave Rain, Water Cuts In Fete|date=4 February 2018|newspaper=Fiji Sun|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> In Indonesia, processions are [[Medan]] and [[Palani Andawer Temple]], [[Banda Aceh]]. At Medan, pilgrims accompany a hundred year old [[chariot]] locally known as ''Radhoo'' to [[Sri Mariamman Temple, Medan|Sri Mariamman Temple]] at [[Kampung Madras]].<ref name="Ind">{{cite report|url=https://www.cgimedan.gov.in/event_detail/?eventid=2|title=Celebrating Thai Pusam|publisher=Consulate General of India, Medan|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> In the US, the festival is celebrated in various Hindu temples across the country.<ref name="US">{{cite web|last=V|first=Nirupama|date=5 February 2019|title=Concord Temple Yatra: Unique Feat|url=https://indiacurrents.com/concord-temple-yatra-unique-feat/|publisher=India Currents|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>  


==Gallery==
It is a national holiday in Mauritius and a state holiday in [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Johor]], [[Negeri Sembilan]], [[Penang]], [[Perak]], [[Putrajaya]] and [[Selangor]] in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicholidays.mu/thaipoosam-cavadee/|title=Thaipoosam Cavadee|publisher=Public Holidays Mauritius|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicholidays.com.my/thaipusam/|title=Thaipusam Malaysia|publisher=Public Holidays Malaysia|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> It was a declared national holiday in Singapore till 1968.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-replies/2015/thaipusam-as-public-holiday-mom-replies|title=Thaipusam as public holiday: MOM replies|date=14 February 2015|publisher=[[Government of Singapore]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>
<gallery widths="140" heights="180">
File: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:Tusuk Tubuh Thaipusam.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration in [[Medan]], [[Indonesia]], 2016
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
File:Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 01.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 01.
File:Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 02.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 02
File:Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 03.jpg|Thaipusam Celebration In Malaysia 03
File:Paravai kavadi.jpeg|Kavadi offering during Thaipusam in Montreal, Canada.
</gallery>


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


==References==
==References==
Line 105: Line 71:


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


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

Latest revision as of 15:15, 18 February 2026


Thaipusam
Chariot of Murugan during Thaipusam festivities in Malaysia
Observed byPrimarily Tamil Hindus in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa and United States
TypeHindu
SignificanceCommemoration of Murugan's victory over Surapadman
CelebrationsKavadi Aattam
DateFirst full moon coinciding with Pusa nakshatra in the Tamil month of Thai
2026 dateSunday, 1 February
Part of the series on
Kaumaram
Deities
Kartikeya
Parents
Shiva
Parvati
Brother
Ganesha
Consorts
Devayanai
Valli
Sacred symbols
Weapons
Vel
Cock flag
Birds
Peacock
Cock
Purana
Six sacred abodes
Other temples

Thaipusam or Thaipoosam (Tamil: Taippūcam, ta) is a Tamil Hindu festival celebrated on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai coinciding with Pusam star. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Hindu god Murugan over the demon Surapadman. During the battle, Murugan is believed to have wielded a vel, a divine spear granted by his mother, Parvati.

The festival includes ritualistic practices of Kavadi Aattam, a ceremonial act of sacrifice carrying a physical burden as a means of balancing a spiritual debt. Worshipers often carry a pot of cow milk as an offering and also do mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers. Devotees prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.

Thaipusam is observed by Tamils in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia notably in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is also observed by other countries with significant Tamil diaspora like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa, Canada, the Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, and in countries with significant Indian migrants like the United States. It is a public holiday in Mauritius, select states in Malaysia and in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Thaipusam is a portmanteau of two Tamil words: Tamil month of Thai and the name of the star Pusam, denoting the day of occurrence of the festival.[1]

Theology[edit | edit source]

According to the Kanda Puranam (the Tamil version of the Skanda Purana), three asuras (a race of celestial beings) Surapadman, Tarakasuran, and Singamukhan performed austerities to propitiate the Hindu god Shiva. Shiva granted them various boons which gave them near-immortality and the ability to conquer the three worlds.[2] They subsequently started a reign of tyranny in their respective realms and oppressed the celestial beings including the devas and other people. The devas pleaded Shiva for his assistance to put an end to the reign of Surapadman and the asuras. In response, Shiva manifested five additional heads and a divine spark emerged from each of the six heads.[3] Initially, the wind-god Vayu carried the sparks, but the fire-god Agni took possession of them afterwards because of the unbearable heat. Agni deposited the sparks in the Ganga river. The water in the Ganga started evaporating due to intense heat, and so the goddess Ganga took them to the Saravana lake, where each of the sparks developed into a baby boy.[3] The six boys were raised by handmaidens known as the Kṛttikās and they were later fused into one by Parvati, thus giving rise to the six-headed Murugan.[4]

Parvati granted him a divine spear known as the vel.[5] Murugan was accompanied by Virabahu who served as his commander-in-chief and eight others, who were sons bore by nine shaktis who arose from the gems of the broken anklet of Parvati, when she ran from her seat due to the heat generated by the sparks emanating from Shiva.[3] Along with the armies of the devas, Murugan waged war on the asuras. Murugan split Surapadman into two with his vel and the two halves transformed into a mango tree and later into a peacock and a rooster. Murugan adopted the peacock as his mount and took the rooster as his flag.[6] Thaipusam festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Murugan over the Surapadman.[7]

Murugan is a deity associated with yogic discipline and austerities in Hinduism and is regarded by his adherents to be capable of offering mukti (spiritual liberation) to those who venerate him.[8]

Occurrence[edit | edit source]

Thaipusam occurs annually and is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai on the confluence of star Pusam.[1]

Practices[edit | edit source]

A Kavadi procession
Ritual piercing during Thaipusam

Kavadi Aattam is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees during the Thaipusam festival. It forms a central part of the festival and symbolizes a form of debt bondage. Kavadi (meaning "burden" in Tamil) is a physical burden which consists of a semicircular piece of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure in its simplest form, that is balanced on the shoulders of the devotee. By bearing the Kavadi, the devotees implore Murugan for assistance, usually as a means of balancing a spiritual debt or on behalf of a loved one who is in need of help or healing.[9] Worshipers often carry one or more pots of cow milk as an offering (pal kavadi) or other objects such as sugarcane, tender coconut, and flowers.[10] The most extreme and spectacular practice is the carrying of Vel kavadi, a portable altar up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall and weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb), decorated with peacock feathers and is attached to the body of the devotee through multiple skewers and metal hooks pierced into the skin on the chest and back.[1][11][12][9]

People also do a form of mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers and flagellation.[13] Since public self mutilation is prohibited by Indian law, these practices are limited in India.[14][13] Vibuthi, a type of holy ash is spread across the body including the piercing sites. Drumming and chanting of verses help the devotees enter a state of trance.[13] Devotees usually prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.[15] They make pilgrimage with bare feet and dance along the route while bearing these burdens.[16]

Areas of practice[edit | edit source]

India[edit | edit source]

Thai pusam is a major festival in the Murugan temples including the six abodes in South India.[16] In Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, the festival is celebrated over ten days known as Brahmotsavam.[17][18] At Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur, where Murugan was supposed to have emerged victorious against the asuras, the festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year for the ritual procession.[19] A float festival is held every year in the temple tanks in Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai.[20][21] The festival is also observed as Thaipooyam Mahotsavam in Kerala.[22] In 2021, the festival was declared a public holiday in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[23]

Outside India[edit | edit source]

Thai pusam procession in Penang, Malaysia

While the festival originated in India, it has spread across other countries with significant Tamil diaspora.[24] It is celebrated in a much larger scale in some of the countries outside India.[1] It is celebrated in Sri Lanka,[13] Myanmar,[25] and countries in Southeast Asia notably in Malaysia,[26] Singapore,[27] and Indonesia.[28] It is also celebrated in other countries with significant people of Tamil origin like Fiji,[29] Mauritius,[30] Seychelles,[31] South Africa,[32] Canada,[13] the Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago,[13] and countries with significant Indian migrants like the United States.[33]

In Malaysia, the festival attracts thousands of people for the elaborate festivities at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur and Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang.[26][34] In Singapore, devotees start the procession at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple carrying milk pots and kavadis with spikes pierced on their body and proceeds towards Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.[27] Thaipusam in Mauritius is celebrated with thousands of attendees taking the ritual 'Cavadee' from Kovil Montagne.[30] In South Africa, Thaipusam Kavady is celebrated in Durban, Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramonior Temple in Cape Town and Shree Sivasubramaniar Alayam in Palm Ridge.[32] At Fiji, the festival is celebrated at Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple in Nadi town and at the Sri Raj Mahamariamman Temple in Suva.[29] In Indonesia, processions are Medan and Palani Andawer Temple, Banda Aceh. At Medan, pilgrims accompany a hundred year old chariot locally known as Radhoo to Sri Mariamman Temple at Kampung Madras.[28] In the US, the festival is celebrated in various Hindu temples across the country.[33]

It is a national holiday in Mauritius and a state holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya and Selangor in Malaysia.[35][36] It was a declared national holiday in Singapore till 1968.[37]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Roy, Christian (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 462-463. ISBN 978-1-8510-9689-3.
  2. ↑ Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin. p. 1190. ISBN 978-8-1847-5277-9.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Civarāman̲, Akilā (2006). Sri Kandha Puranam. Giri Trading. p. 55. ISBN 978-8-1795-0397-3.
  4. ↑ T.K.R, Sridharan (2022). God and Science. Notion Press. ISBN 979-8-8870-4354-8.
  5. ↑ "Vanquishing the demon". The Hindu. 5 December 2005. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  6. ↑ Chwalkowski, Farrin (14 December 2016). Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture: The Soul of Nature. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 476. ISBN 978-1-4438-5728-4.
  7. ↑ Juergensmeyer, Mark; Roof, Wade Clark (2012). Encyclopedia of Global Religion. SAGE. p. 1267. ISBN 978-0-7619-2729-7.
  8. ↑ Kesavapany, K. (August 2003). Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia. Flipside Digital Content Company. p. 349. ISBN 978-9-8145-1760-7.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Kent, Alexandra (2005). Divinity and Diversity: A Hindu Revitalization Movement in Malaysia. University of Hawaii Press. p. 170-174. ISBN 978-8-7911-1489-2.
  10. ↑ Jaime Koh; Lee-Ling Ho (2009). Culture and Customs of Singapore and Malaysia. ABC-CLIO. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-3133-5116-7.
  11. ↑ Gregory Leong (1992). Festivals of Malaysia. University of Michigan. p. 10. ISBN 978-9-6797-8388-9.
  12. ↑ Hume, Lynne (2020). Portals: Opening Doorways to Other Realities Through the Senses. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-0001-8987-2.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Javier, A.G. (2014). They Do What: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Extraordinary and Exotic Customs from Around the World. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 387. ISBN 979-8-2161-5549-2.
  14. ↑ Vadlamani, Laxmi Naresh; Gowda, Mahesh (2019). "Practical implications of Mental Healthcare Act 2017: Suicide and suicide attempt". Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 61 (Suppl 4). National library of medicine, United States: S750–S755. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_116_19. PMC 6482674. PMID 31040468.
  15. ↑ Williams, Victoria (2016). Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerals. ABC-CLIO. p. 334. ISBN 978-1-4408-3659-6.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Abram, David (2003). South India. Rough Guides. p. 517.
  17. ↑ "Thaipusam 2022: From date to history, here's everything you need to know about the Tamil festival". First Post. 18 January 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  18. ↑ "Thaipusam festival - Palani". Government of India. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  19. ↑ "Devotees throng Tiruchendur temple for Thai Poosam". The Hindu. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  20. ↑ "Float festival, Madurai". India Tourism. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  21. ↑ "Devotees at Kapaleeswarar temple Mylapore for the annual float festival on the occasion of the Thaipusam in Chennai". Times of India. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  22. ↑ "Thaipooyam Mahotsavam, Harippad, Festivals, Alappuzha festivals". Government of Kerala. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  23. ↑ "Thai Poosam a public holiday in Tamil Nadu from this year". The Hindu. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  24. ↑ Melton, J Gordon (2007). The Encyclopedia of Religious Phenomena. Visible Ink Press. p. 332. ISBN 978-1-5785-9230-2.
  25. ↑ "Myanmar's Tamil community works to maintain their culture". Mizzima news. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Malaysia's Thaipusam festival". BBC. 26 August 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Thaipusam festival". Government of Singapore. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Celebrating Thai Pusam (Report). Consulate General of India, Medan. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Hindu Devotees Brave Rain, Water Cuts In Fete". Fiji Sun. 4 February 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Thaipoosam Cavadee in Mauritius". Mauritius attractions. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  31. ↑ "Hindu community decorate the streets of Victoria for Thaipoosam Kavadi festival". Nation. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Hindus end ato nement festival of Kavady". SABC News. 24 April 2005. Archived from the original on 24 April 2005. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 V, Nirupama (5 February 2019). "Concord Temple Yatra: Unique Feat". India Currents. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  34. ↑ Belle, Carl Vadivella (2018). Thaipusam in Malaysia. ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute. ISBN 978-9-8147-8666-9.
  35. ↑ "Thaipoosam Cavadee". Public Holidays Mauritius. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  36. ↑ "Thaipusam Malaysia". Public Holidays Malaysia. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  37. ↑ "Thaipusam as public holiday: MOM replies". Government of Singapore. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2023.

Template:Public holidays in Malaysia

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thaipusam&oldid=468384"
Discover more