Thaipusam, a revered Tamil thanksgiving festival, is fast approaching in Singapore, set to take place on Sunday, 5th February 2023. This sacred occasion involves a mesmerizing foot procession, the carrying of kavadis, and enchanting music along a 4km route from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
Let’s explore the significance of Thaipusam, its celebration, and where to witness this awe-inspiring event.
What is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan (also known as Lord Subrahmanya). Lord Murugan symbolizes virtue, youth, power, and the destroyer of evil. The festival involves ascetic practices and controlling one’s senses, as devotees express their gratitude and seek blessings from the deity.
Image from The Straits Times
When is Thaipusam Celebrated?
Thaipusam, also known as Thaipoosam, occurs on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, which usually falls around January or February. In 2023, Thaipusam starts on Saturday, 4th February, with the procession beginning at 11:30 pm from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. The procession will make its way along the 4km route, reaching the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road, where the doors open at 12.01 am on Sunday, 5th February. Devotees are expected to complete their walk and vows by 11 pm on the same day.
Where to Experience Thaipusam in Singapore: Serangoon Road to Tank Road
Thaipusam in Singapore attracts thousands of Hindu devotees who participate in a 4km walk from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road.
During this pilgrimage, devotees carry either a paal kudam (milk pot) or a kavadi (wooden or metal structure with milk offerings). An interesting tradition revived in 2016 is the presence of musicians lining the procession route, adding to the festive atmosphere.
To catch a glimpse of this remarkable festival, you can position yourself along the 4km route or head to Little India (along Serangoon Road) on Sunday, 5th February, as early in the morning as possible.
Image from Indian Heritage Centre
How is Thaipusam Celebrated?
The Thaipusam celebration commences early in the day with prayers. At around midnight, the first group of devotees carrying pots of milk and kavadis adorned with peacock feathers, flowers, and palm leaves, begin their journey from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple back to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
The kavadi, meaning “sacrifice at every step,” symbolizes the purification of the mind and soul. Devotees who pierce their tongues or carry spiked kavadis are believed to experience no pain, having freed their minds from material desires. To carry a kavadi, a devotee must spiritually prepare and follow a life of abstinence, including a strict vegetarian diet, for at least a month.
Throughout the procession, live Indian music plays an essential role in reducing pain and enhancing spiritual focus for the devotees. Bhajan singers accompany the kavadis, while musicians are permitted one traditional percussion instrument and one handheld instrument.
Info for Devotees: Offerings and Head Shaving
Devotees participating in Thaipusam can either prepare their offerings of paal kudam or opt for those prepared by the Tank Road temple. In previous times, due to the pandemic, only offerings from the Tank Road temple were allowed. Additionally, those planning to carry a paal kavadi must purchase tickets at either Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Tickets for the chariot and spike kavadis are exclusively available at the Serangoon Road temple.
Head shaving is an essential Thaipusam ritual, symbolizing purification. Devotees often shave their heads as an offering to Lord Murugan before taking a ritual bath and proceeding to the temple. Head shaving is typically pre-booked at the temple.
Thaipusam 2023
Thaipusam 2023 promises to be a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and spiritual fervor in Singapore. The foot procession, kavadis, and soulful music will create an atmosphere of reverence and joy. As you experience this auspicious festival, remember to embrace the sacredness of the rituals and respect the devotion of the participants. Join in the celebration and witness the triumph of good over evil during Thaipusam 2023.
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