Thaipusam

Thaipusam 2014

It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Tamil month of Thai, which coincides with the full moon and is usually in late January or early February.

For 2014, Thaipusam in Malaysia will falls on Friday 17th January and is a public holiday in the states of Wilayah Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Penang, Perak, and Selangor only.

Thaipusam Rites and Rituals

Hinduism Festival

Devotees who have made their vows and prayers to Lord Subramaniam will subject themselves to sacrificial acts in exchange for an answered prayer. The devotees have, in the past asked for help, such as to get well or to recover from their sickness, seeking forgiveness for past misdeeds, childless couple asking for baby etc. In return they proposed to do a sacrificial act if the request is fulfilled. This sacrificial act could be carrying kavadi weighing several pounds which is attached to the body by skewers and hooks, that pierce through the body. (see photo above). This is usually undertaken by the really serious Thaipusam pilgrims and are usually by men.

Other forms of doing penance

For the Thaipusam festival, not every devotee will carry the kavadi, some may go for a 'simpler' form of sacrificial act like piercing skewers to tongues and cheeks (see photo below).

Shaving the head, (especially for the children, see photo far below), carrying pots of milk (by the women folks) giving foods and drinks to devotees, and providing other essential services, are also another form of penance that can be observed.

The Thaipusam Procession

The Thaipusam procession from one temple to another main temple (varies according to region) could be three miles or even longer. Family members and supporters will be following the devotees during this procession , chanting prayers and offering encouragement.

Brief Information on Kavadi

Types of Kavadi

There are four types of kavadi and are as follows:

Idumban Kavadi: Pots filled with milk and suspended on rods and carried on the shoulder
Mayil Kavadi: Similar to Idumban kavadi except that it is decorated with peacock feathers
Pal Kavadi: Metal pot filled with milk and carried on one side of the shoulder only
Pushpa Kavadi: Pot filled with milk and carried on the head

Materials Used for Kavadi

Materials that are commonly used for kavadi are aluminum plates, wooden plates, nuts and bolts and peacock feathers.

The design will vary according to the wishes of the kavadi bearers and with new creative designs mean uses of new materials.

Kavadi made of polystyrene is popular in Ipoh and Penang while kavadi decorated with LED lights is popular in Ipoh.