Chinese carrying Kavadi
5 things you need to know about this vibrant Hindu festival
While Thaipusam may not be recognised as a public holiday, this spectacular festival attracts thousands of Hindu devotees each year. Its most distinctive feature is the large decorated kavadi carried by many participants each year, often ones that incorporate skin piercings. But if all this is new to you, or you still feel like you have no clue what this festival is about, we’ve put together a handy guide that will give you a basic understanding of Thaipusam.
Who
Majority of the devotees who participate in Thaipusam are Hindu Tamils, but it’s not uncommon to find Hindus of other ethnicities taking part in the procession. This is especially true in Singapore, considering our vibrant mix of cultures.
What
The most iconic part of this festival is the kavadi itself. This intricate structure is decorated with flowers and peacock feathers, symbols of Murugan, and can weigh up to 30 kilos. While this may seem like a harrowing experience, kavadi bearers often feel a sense of peace and may even enter a trance-like state. This is aided by live music played by urumi melam (traditional drum) groups that have been allowed to perform at designated areas during the event.
Why
Devotees carry the elaborately decorated kavadi as a form of ceremonial sacrifice in worship of Murugan. The kavadi’s weight and the hooks pierced through the bearers skin represent a physical burden, through which devotees beseech Murugan for divine help. The bearer also observes celibacy and consumes a single meal of pure Satvik food (essentially vegetarian foods that aren’t pungent) just once a day, beginning 48 hours before Thaipusam begins.
Where
The procession of kavadi bearers begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road. If you’re keen to see the spectacle firsthand, the Serangoon Road is a good place to watch the procession.
When
Thaipusam falls on 31 January this year. A common misconception is that the festival commemorates Murugan’s birthday, but the date actually marks his vanquishing of the demon Soorapadman.
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