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in his name with elaborately decorated
kavadis
, a wooden arch on a wooden
platform that is decorated with flowers,
paper and peacock feathers. The
kavadis
may be built in other shapes, such as
peacocks or temples, but the arch is among
the most common.
The festival is usually held in the
month of Thai in the Indian calendar
(January/February). In Kuala Lumpur,
Hindu devotees meet at the holy grounds
of Batu Caves, where the real procession
begins. Devotees march, taking up to 12
hours, but that’s just a small price to pay
for a true devotee.
Prep Work
Preparations can take up to a year for a
devotee. On the eve of the big day, devo-
tees start cleansing themselves through
prayers and fasting. Prior to the actual
day, the devotees have to observe a time
of celibacy and consume only pure food,
while continuously thinking about God.
On the day itself, many devotees shave
their heads and march along a common
route while engaging in different acts of
devotion, walking with decorated chariots
carrying a statue of Lord Subramaniam
Thaipusam –
a Ref lection of True Devotion
Test of strength and endurance
by Hindus
What is it?
A celebration of true devotion by the
followers of Lord Muruga. Thaipusam
is a Hindu festival celebrated in India,
Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and many
other countries. It is not only observed
as a day when Lord Subramaniam, also
known as Murugan, was born, but also
his victory over the demons. It is a time
of penance and consecration to the God,
usually involving self-mortification in a
big test of mind over pain.
The test of strength and endurance
is reflected by various acts such as body
piercing and fasting. It is a time when
millions of Hindus pay homage to Lord
Muruga.
Devotees pray to him to overcome the
obstacles they are facing and they go to
great lengths to prove it.
The festival itself begins with the com-
memoration of when Muruga’s mother,
Parvati gave him a
vel
(spear) so he could
vanquish the demon.
So, how does a devotee prove his
devotion to the Almighty? By marching
and his consorts Valli and Theivanai,
carrying their
kavadis
or a pot of milk.
Some devotees even pierce their skin
with tiny spears in an act of devotion.
The skewer pierced through one’s tongue
or cheek serves as a constant reminder
of Lord Muruga, while also giving the
devotee a great power of endurance by
preventing speech.
Power of Trance
These acts of devotion are possible be-
cause the devotees go into a state of trance.
When at Batu Caves, don’t be alarmed to
see devotees carrying
kavadis
or pulling
mini-chariots weighing upto 100kg. During
their march, to the accompanying beat
of drums and other traditional Indian
instruments, the devotees are cheered on
by their relatives, friends and onlookers.
.
In Batu Caves
Millions from all over the world gather to
witness this procession. The march from
various temples culminates in going up a
flight of 272 steps to the top of Batu Caves
where the devotees detach themselves
from the
kavadis
and participate in the
special
poojas
(prayers).
Lord Muruga in
His golden glory
Devotees
with milk pots
No pain, just
true devotion