Thaipusam this year is celebrated in Malaysia this year on the 23rd of January.It falls on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. It is celebrated very large scale in Malaysia,Singapore and Mauritius. Generally people take a vow to offer a kavadi to the Lord for purpose of tiding over or averting a great calamity.
To know more about Thaipusam
On the eve of Thaipusam a chariot which carries Lord Muruga is followed by a large procession leaves Sri Mahamariaman temple from KL in a 15km walk to Batu Caves where lord muruga is carried to the caves and placed for devotees to pay their homage.
Generally people take a vow to offer a kavadi to the Lord for purpose of tiding over or averting a great calamity.Kavadi’s arein forms of milk and some carry kavadi’s made of wood or metal with pictures of Hindu deities,flowers and peacock feathers. Another famous sight is the masses shaving their head bald as a symbol of humanity and atonement.
In Malaysia, Thaipusam is celebreated in KL,Penang,Ipoh,Johor and many small towns throughout the country and participated by not only the ethnic Indians but also ethnic Chinese(especially in Penang) who come to pay their homage to Lord Muruga. It attracts crowds in the millions so if you are planning to go this year, dress down but dress well and enjoy the festivities with the devotees.
