What do you do during Thaipusam?
At its simplest, the pilgrimage may entail walking the route carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. In addition, some pierce their tongues or cheeks, all the way through, with a small spear.
What do we eat on Thaipusam?
It is observed as a day of thanksgiving and paying penance for Lord Murugan. In many states in Malaysia Thaipusam is a public holiday. Devotees prepare themselves for the occasion by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time.
How many days should we fast for Thaipusam?
Unlike most things that glitter, Thaipusam isn’t a fleeting affair. Devotees exercise abstinence 48 days leading up to the festival, fending off all manner of luxury, embellish and desire.
What is special of Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a temple festival celebrated by Hindus of Tamil descent in Singapore. It is thus celebrated in the month of Thai (10th month according to the Tamil Almanac) on the day when the moon passes through the star “Pusam”. Thaipusam is a day of prayers and penance.
How do you fast for Thaipusam?
Taippuca fasting methods: Whatever works, it is good to do the same thing as pronouncing ‘Om Saravanabhava’. Those who are fasting can take both milk and fruit in the morning and afternoon. In the evening, it is advisable to go to the nearby Murugan Temple and worship Lord Murugan. You can take the offerings there.
What is special on Thaipusam?
Thaipusam involves physical and mental discipline as the devotees purify the body through rigid fasting with simple vegetarian meals and observe celibacy. Thaipusam is celebrated faithfully with pilgrimage that gives devotees great powers of endurance to fulfill their vows.
Why is Thaipusam important?
Thaipusam is a temple festival celebrated by Hindus of Tamil descent in Singapore. Dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan,8 a major South Indian god,9 the deity of youth, power and virtue, this festival is a time for repentance for devotees with celebrations carried out mainly at the temple.
Do we fast on Thaipusam?
The devotees of Thaipusam start the preparation 48 hours in advance by the means of fasting and prayer. Worshippers shave their heads off and proceed towards the temple of their Lord Murugan. During the journey, worshippers engage in different forms of devotional activities to thank the God of war.
Does Thaipusam hurt?
Those who get their bodies pierced report that they feel little to no pain,” he says. “As most of them vow to get their body pierced before they get into a trance, we know that they are alert when the pricks go in. They usually won’t even flinch, while those who are piercing would be wincing in pain.”
How to prepare for Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur?
The 15-kilometre walk from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in the city centre to the caves is no ordinary journey: devotees prepare for Thaipusam days in advance, by fasting and carrying a kavadi – an ornate structure balanced on their shoulders and colourfully decorated with images of deities.
Where to see Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur?
The city of Kuala Lumpur has recognized Thaipusam as being a very important festival, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Their Kommuter train runs 24 hours for the whole weekend, shuttling people back and forth from the city centre, all the way to Batu Caves.
What happens on the first day of Thaipusam?
On the first day of Thaipusam, there is a procession along the streets of Kuala Lumpur led by a chariot that presents a statue of Lord Muragan. On the second day, there is a long barefoot walk to the Batu Caves for the purpose of vow fulfilment.
When is Thaipusam 2022, 2023 and 2024?
Thaipusam 2022, 2023 and 2024 Thaipusam is a key Hindu ceremony that is held each year during the full moon in the tenth month of the Hindu calendar – falling from mid-January to mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. It is marked in Malaysia by a public holiday. Most viewed holidays today: