What Is Thaipusam ?

Well today I headed down to Little India to the Sri SrinivasaPerumal Temple with some very lovely ladies to check out the Thaipusam Festival. WOW.

Anywho I will explain a little about it, it is a Hindu festival celebrated by Singapore's Tamil community. It is an annual procession by Hindu devotees seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and offering thanks. Celebrated in honour of Lord Subrahmanya, who represents virtue, youth and power to Hindus and is the destroyer of evil, it is held during the full moon in the 10th Tamil month, called Thai.

The Thaipusam ceremony starts very early morning at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple where devotees fulfill their vows with a 4.5km walk to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. The first batch of devotees usual carry milk pots and wooden Kavadis, decorated with flowers, palm leaves and peacock feathers. The milk they have carried is then offered to Lord Subrahmanya at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.

Some devotee's also

piece their tongues with skewers and some carry spiked Kavadis, which require elaborate preparations. Lots of chanting, praying and indian drum playing is all part of the preparations - I think to help them take their minds off the pain !!

In preparation for carrying a Kavadi, a devotee has to prepare themself spiritually. For a period of about one month, the devotee must live a life of abstinence whilst maintaing a strict vegetarian diet. It is believed that only when the mind is free of material wants and the body free from physical pleasure that a devotee can undertake the sacred task without feeling any pain.

Family members and friends will accompany the devotees who will offer support, usually by praying and chanting. The sacred ritual of Thaipusam is a true act of faith.

What a fantastic morning, the Tamil community were so welcoming, offering food to us, talking to us and sharing their beliefs. They didn't mind people shoving camera's in their faces and the looks of amazement on all faces while watching their rituals. It is definitely a date for the diary for next year.