Hindus of Tamil heritage in Singapore commemorate Thaipusam as a temple holiday. Every year between January 14 and February 14, it is most likely the community’s most significant single public ritual. The majority of Hindu holidays take place on either full moon days (Punarpusam) or new moon days (Amavasi). On the full moon day of the Tamil month, “Thai Pusam” takes place (January–February). Thaipusam is essentially a combination of the words thai, which means “tenth,” and pusam, which means “at the full moon.” Thus, it is observed on the day when the moon passes over the star “Pusam” in the Thai month (10th month in the Tamil Almanac). Thaipusam is a day dedicated to prayer and fasting. Dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan, a major South Indian god, the deity of youth, power and virtue, this festival is a time for repentance for devotees with celebrations carried out mainly at the temple.
Kavadi Attam
The ritual act of religious sacrifice known as the Kavadi Attam, also known as the “kavadi dance,” involves dancing, food offerings, and physical self-mortification. During the Thaipusam celebration, it is frequently carried out by worshippers in homage to Murugan. The pilgrim carries the kavadi, a semicircular, ornamented canopy supported by a wooden pole, to the temple. The pilgrim (the nadai payanam) walks with bare feet while carrying food offerings on a kavadi.
Thaipusam in India
During Thaipusam, the 10-day Festival (Brahmotsavam) is conducted in the Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple. The day before Thaipusam, there will be a ceremony called Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding). Therottam will be held on Thaipusam. Throughout the 10-day event, Lord Muthukumaraswamy will bestow his blessings on worshippers at the Thanga Kuthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse), Periya Thanga Mayil Vahanam (Golden Peacock), and Theppotsavam (Float Festival).
