Thaipusam

Thaipusam is one of the more fascinating festivals held annually in Malaysia. It is one of those festivals where participants can ‘lose’ themselves in the celebrations. Thaipusam is celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. In fact, the word ‘Thaipusam’ is a combination of the word ‘Thai’ and ‘Pusam’, which refers to a star located at its highest point at this time. This festival is a celebration of good triumphing over evil as it is believed that the Hindu god Murugan obtained his lance or vel from his mother Parvati in order to defeat the evil demon Soorapadman.

Traditionally, it is believed that Lord Murugan’s preferred choice for a home is either in a hill or a mountain.To the devotees who are involved in the procession and the festival, preparations for it has already commenced days before Thaipusam. Most of the time the devotees present a kavadi to Lord Murugan as a way of keeping with their vow, in exchange for requests of help for a favourable turn in business or for better health. Generally, there are certain rules that need to be observed before he takes up the kavadi during the procession. The devotees will need to purify and cleanse themselves through prayer and fasting. Strict dietary requirements are to be observed – only pure Satvik food must be taken, once a day, while continuously keeping God in their thoughts. Abstinence from carnal pleasures is another aspect that requires observation from the devotees. Some believe that by denying themselves the pleasures of the world, like sleeping on the hard floor for a week or walking barefoot during the procession, when it is time to fulfill their penance it will please the gods even more.

The atmosphere is gay and lively as the procession starts. Some of the devotees are put into a state of trance before taking on the kavadis. Many of the devotees have small lances pierced through their cheeks or tongue. Amazingly, not a single drop of blood is spilt in the process, and the devotees seem to be oblivious to the pain. Others have hooks skewered onto their chests which are attached to the kavadis that they carry on their shoulders. Hooks skewered to the back are attached to a mini kavadi that will be pulled by the devotee all the way. When these hooks are removed, the skin heals with nary a scar to see! Onlookers often stare in awe at the piercings adorning their bodies and wonders if they feel any pain.

The devotees seem to dance in joy and ecstasy at every stop despite the distance and the heat, making those heavy kavadi frames that they are carrying seem like they weigh next to nothing. It is not surprising to see that there are more Chinese devotees joining in the procession and carrying kavadis like their Indian counterparts. Many of the Chinese temples along the way will also pay respects to Lord Murugan as the chariot passes by. Some also bring coconuts with them as part of fulfilling their vows to be broken all along the road as it is believed that it ‘cleanses’ the road. It is truly an amazing sight to behold and it is no wonder that more than half a million people choose to attend this festival every year despite the heat and the loud music.