Thaipusam is a  Hindu festival held during the full moon in the 10th Tamil month, called Thai, which falls in mid-January. The festival is a celebration in honour of Lord Murugan, that was given a Vel by Parvati to destroy the evil demon Soorapadman. It’s a festival full of color and the sound of Indian drum music playing.  Devotees are accompanied by friends and family members praying and chanting to offer support.

Early morning on Thaipusam day, hundreds of devotees offer prayers either by piercing their body with spikes and lemon, pulling a chariot or carrying Kavadis on the 4km long walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple where the devotees then offer their prayers and fulfill their vows.

Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting more than a month before Thaipusam. Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and take only pure, Satvik food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God.

Visit Singapore during the full moon of the month of Thai to witness the sacred ritual of Thaipusam. A journey of faith.