When was Thaipusam first celebrated in Penang?

The Thaipusam tradition was brought to Penang through the South Indian diaspora during the late 18th century. Thanks to Penang’s diversity and multiculturalism, the Hindu festival has since taken on an identity of its own.

What is Thaipusam in Penang?

Penang Thaipusam is a three-day celebration that sees devotees clad in yellow and saffron, bearing milk pots on their heads or kavadis with body and facial piercings, seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and offering thanks to Lord Murugan.

How does Malaysia celebrate Thaipusam?

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Thaipusam is a time when worshippers seek repentance. Penance can be witnessed through acts of self-mortification in an elaborate ceremony, where men bear the kavadi, while women carry the paal kudam (milk pots). Thaipusam is a public holiday in numerous states in Malaysia.

Why do people wear yellow on Thaipusam?

As to why devotees tend to wear yellow during Thaipusam, it is because yellow is Lord Murugan’s favourite colour. This is why the statue of Lord Murugan in Batu Caves is in yellow. Yellow is also associated with new beginnings, peace and happiness. Kavadi is the highlight of any Thaipusam procession.

What is the story behind Thaipusam?

The festival of Thaipusam is dedicated to Lord Murugan who is believed to possess the invincible spear or a Vel. On this day, Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan the Vel and he used it to destroy the army of demons. Thaipusam commemorates this occasion.

Why do they celebrate Thaipusam?

Thaipusam is a religious festival celebrated by the Tamil community in India and by the Tamil diaspora worldwide. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati, the Indian goddess of fertility and love, gave her son, Murugan, the god of war, a spear in order to defeat a fiendish demon.

Which place in Malaysia is very famous in Thaipusam celebration?

The most impressive Thaipusam procession takes place at none other than the impressive Batu Caves. Celebrations at Batu Caves are an amazing experience not only for the locals but also tourists from around the world. Every year, over 10,000 people visit Batu Caves to witness the celebration of our pride, Lord Murugan.

Is Thaipusam a public holiday in Penang?

Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival, observed on the day of the first full moon during the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in late January or February. It is a public holiday in the following states of Peninsular Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang and Selangor.

Is Thaipusam Murugan birthday?

It is also commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan’s birthday; though some other sources suggest that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May/June), is Murugan’s birthday….Thaipusam.

Is Thaipusam piercing painful?

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.”

Why is Thaipusam important?

Thaipusam is a time for Hindus of all castes and cultures to say thank you and show their appreciation to one of their Gods, Lord Murugan, a son of Shiva. The festival of Thaipusam was brought to Malaysia in the 1800s, when Indian immigrants started to work on the Malaysian rubber estates and the government offices.

Why do we need to celebrate Thaipusam?

Anchored by a large, colourful annual procession, Thaipusam sees Hindu devotees in Singapore seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and offering thanks. The festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Subramaniam (also known as Lord Murugan), the destroyer of evil who represents virtue, youth and power.