What is Thaipusam?

Thaipusam. Thaipusam. Thaipusam. 
What do Malaysians other than Indians understand about this festival besides the fact that it's a public holiday? I was super curious about this because we Indians make a big deal about Thaipusam. The roads gets closed, carrying milk for miles,  thousands of Indians are randomly dancing, PEOPLE STICKING METAL IN THEIR BODIES SAY WHAT. 

Sooo, I asked 11 of my friends of different religions(excluding hindus obvs) about what they think thaipusam is about. And these were their answers. I really appreciate your honest answers and no hate should be channeled towards them cos I love them and only I can make fun of them. Okay? Leggo


Almost there bruh

Actually, we do always wear traditional clothes to pray at the temple. hehe

You're right sista!

I love this, cause she basically defined every Hindu celebration. Imma use this screenshot for other festivals too. haha

Yes darling. Thaipusam should remind you of Indians. If it reminds you of something else then I think there's a problem.

We really like milk.

Yeap. True nuff

HAHAHAHAA. BRO WHY

Malaysians love holidays, don't we?


Yeap babe yeap.
I LAUGHED SO MUCH AT THIS IM SO SORRY. But seriously tho, I laughed so much and thank you for that. I love you kay. You're too cute. PS: Break the coconut



So i'm just gonna give a quick Thaipusam 101 to share the real meaning of Thaipusam. Don't worry, this will be short and I did not copy paste this from Wikipedia. Hehh

Thaipusam is celebrated to pray to Lord Muruga. This very big gold statue which is also a trademark in Malaysia is Lord Muruga. He has so many names that if he had a birth certificate it would 27 pages long. Eg: Kandha, Kadambha, Kathirvela, and etc.



SO, what happens is that devotees pray prior to Thaipusam and carry KAVADI to show their devotion to Lord Muruga. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting approximately 48 days before Thaipusam.  

Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of carrying the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes strict rules and take only pure food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God. 

On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads. Most devotees only eat vegetarian food a few weeks before Thaipusam to carry a pot of milk which they will transport from their house to the nearest Muruga temple BY FOOT (super cardio right there) This milk is poured on Lord Muruga's statue as an offering. 

Piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. It is said that they don't feel the pain because they are in a state of trance. 

The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders, to the temple.


VEL VEL

A full sized kavadi.
Basically, its a massive gathering to pay our respect to Lord Muruga and definitely a challenge to those kavadi bearers whom are amazingly strong and devoted. You guys deserve all the blessings.

And also, a big thanks to those who participated in my small survey.
You guys ROCK
 And that is a small intro on Thaipusam.  Do let me know if I have missed anything out or if i have given any wrong information. And also share this article to let others know the true meaning of Thaipusam. A little knowledge would never hurt. 

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Okay byeeee

With little bit of love,
Dheephikha

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