While Thaipusam may not be recognised as a public holiday, this spectacular festival attracts thousands of Hindu devotees annually. Its most distinctive feature is the large decorated kavadi carried by many participants, with the incorporation of skin piercings. But if all this is new to you, or you have no clue what this festival is about, we’ve put together a handy guide to give you a basic understanding of Thaipusam.
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.
Thaipusam is a thanksgiving of sorts for devotees to celebrate the fulfilment of their vows and show their gratitude towards Lord Murugan for granting them favours. A month is spent to spiritually prepare for the big day, with worshippers upholding a strict vegetarian diet.
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