OT Staff
Thaipusam is a Tamil Hindu festival celebrated on the first full moon day of the month of Thai. The festival commemorates the victory of the god Murugan (also known as Kartikeya) over the demon Surapadman.
Thaipusam 2025 will be held on February 11. The name is a combination of “Thai” (the Tamil month) and “Pusam,” the star at its highest point during the festival.
The festival commemorates the occasion when Lord Murugan received the vel spear, a heavenly weapon, from his mother, Goddess Parvati. He vanquished Surapadma with the spear, which represents power and devotion.
Thaipusam carries deep spiritual significance for devotees as they seek Murugan’s blessings, guidance and protection during this time. There are some notable rituals that take place during Thaipusam.
The Kavadi Aattam is a ceremonial burden and offering practiced by devotees. The kavadi (“burden”) can be a simple wooden structure or a more elaborate frame adorned with flowers.
Devotees also do a form of mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers. Since public self-mutilation is prohibited by Indian law, these practices are limited.
Devotees usually prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.
Thaipusam is observed by Tamils in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It is also observed in nations with a significant Tamil diaspora, like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, etc.