Thaipusam Celebration

Thaipusam, the celebration of penance, endurance and thanksgiving is celebrated around the globe and is also actually celebrated during the full-moon phase. However, since Malaysia is highly populated with Indians, this celebration is also a big agenda annually. It is in fact a holiday for certain states. Thousands and thousands of people come from all walks of life to gather and embark on the 272-steps of the majestic Batu Caves to celebrate this auspicious event. This celebration does not only portray an image of Hinduism devotion but also shows the colours of the great culture of our fellow Indians. The uniqueness of the event itself has caught the eyes of the world and not only participated by fellow Indians but also other races and nationalities.  

Recently this celebration was celebrated and an estimation of 20,000 people gathered here and made this event a success. There were many stalls opened by local Indians selling their famous delicacies and also ornaments with attractive prices. No doubt there is a huge crowd to withstand, but this celebration begins a week before the actual celebration day. Therefore, people are given the advantage to perform their rituals earlier if they wish to not do it on the actual day.

 “ A lifetime experience “ is how I would picture this event with its many kavadis carried by Hindu devotees is definitely a culture shock for non-hindus. With its vast customs and great colours, the celebration involves great penance of its fellow devotees. You may observe the exotic piercings which is performed by the Hindus and carrying the heavy kavadi on their backs. The celebration itself involves music and dance which is believed will arouse the spiritual sight of one to invite their Lord to take charge of their body which is commonly known as trance.

I was informed that these specific people have to undergo abstinence for 48-days which is, only a meal a day and no erotic motions in their thoughts and actions with their mind only focusing a hundred percent to God.  The event was a success and really looking forward to next year’s Thaipusam.

Written By : Macalister Luke Zarsadias

Herewith I attached photos for better visual purposes. Photos are taken from the website http://news.malaysia.msn.com/photoviewer.aspx?cp-documentid=4592023&page=7