Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by the
Tamil community in Singapore, among other places. The festival usually falls in
the Tamil month of Thai (January/February) and is dedicated to Lord Murugan,
the Hindu god of war, victory, wisdom, and love. Thaipusam festival date in Singapore in 2025 is on February 11.
In Singapore, Thaipusam is a vibrant and significant
celebration marked by various rituals and ceremonies. One of the main features
of Thaipusam is the kavadi procession, where devotees carry elaborate
structures called kavadis adorned with decorations, flowers, and peacock
feathers. These kavadis are often attached to the devotees' bodies using hooks
and spears as a form of penance and devotion.
The procession typically starts at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal
Temple in Little India and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road.
Along the route, devotees chant hymns and prayers while carrying their kavadis,
accompanied by music and drumming.
Another important aspect of Thaipusam in Singapore is the
offering of milk and other offerings to Lord Murugan at the temples. Many
devotees also participate in acts of self-mortification such as piercing their
bodies with skewers and carrying heavy burdens as a form of penance and
fulfillment of vows.
Thaipusam is not only a religious festival but also a
cultural event that attracts both devotees and spectators from various
communities. The Singapore government and local authorities also make
arrangements to ensure the smooth running of the festival, including crowd
control measures and road closures during the procession.
Overall, Thaipusam in Singapore is a visually stunning and
spiritually significant celebration that highlights the rich cultural diversity
of the country.