Thaipusam 2027

What is Thaipusam?

Thaipusam is a Tamil festival in honour of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya, Subramanya), the son of Shiva and Parvati. It falls in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February) on the day of the Pusam (Pushya) nakshatra, which usually coincides with the full moon. It commemorates the day Goddess Parvati gave Murugan the Vel, the divine spear, with which he defeated the demon Soorapadman.

How is Thaipusam observed?

Fasting and preparation

Devotees prepare with prayer and a vegetarian fast, often for 48 days or more beforehand, as a vow (nercha) of thanks or a request to Murugan. Many wear yellow or orange on the day.

Kavadi and paal kudam

The best-known offering is the kavadi ("burden") — from a simple wooden arch carried on the shoulders and decorated with peacock feathers and flowers, to elaborate structures. Many devotees carry a paal kudam, a pot of milk, on their heads to offer in abhishek to Murugan. Some take further vows such as piercings with small vels. Devotees walk barefoot to the temple, chanting "Vel Vel Muruga" and "Haro Hara", accompanied by drums and music.

At the temple

At the temple, the milk is poured over the deity and the kavadi is offered. Special abhisheks, alankarams and annadanam (free meals) continue through the day.

Where is Thaipusam celebrated?

In Tamil Nadu, the greatest celebrations are at Murugan's hill temples, especially Palani, where pilgrims walk from towns across the state. Outside India, Thaipusam is a public holiday in several Malaysian states and draws very large crowds to the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur and to Penang's Waterfall Hill temple. It is also widely observed in Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji and other places with Tamil communities.

Visiting on Thaipusam

If you plan to watch or join a procession, start early, wear light clothes and comfortable footwear you can remove, carry water, and follow the temple's guidance on routes and timings. Photography of devotees fulfilling vows should be done respectfully.