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What do Thaipusam people do?
At its simplest, the pilgrimage may entail walking the route carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. In addition, some pierce their tongues or cheeks, all the way through, with a small spear.
How is Thaipusam celebrated?
On the Thaipusam day, a pilgrimage is taken by the devotees by shaving their heads and engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying different types of kavadi or a pot of milk. Also, the mortification of flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is common.
How do Malaysians celebrate Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is the second largest Hindu festival in Malaysia and is celebrated in honour of Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan. To mark this day of penance and thanksgiving, Hindus pierce their body with metal skewers and carry pots of milk on their heads along a four-kilometre procession.
Why do people Pierce during Thaipusam?
WHY DO PEOPLE PIERCE THEIR BODIES? Devotees make vows and pledges to Lord Murugan to prove their gratitude to him. Upon having their wishes granted, they pay penances to him during the Thaipusam day. One of the most popular way penances are paid is by bearing the Kavadi.
Why do we celebrate Thaipusam festival?
Thaipusam is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) during the month of Thai. The festival of Thaipusam reflects and celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan, who is the Hindu God of combat. Thaipusam is mainly celebrated in the southern parts of the country. Thaipusam also holds immense significance abroad.
What do Thaipusam people eat?
Thaipusam is a public holiday in Malaysia In many states in Malaysia Thaipusam is a public holiday. Devotees prepare themselves for the occasion by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time.
What is special about Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a day of prayers and penance. Dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan,8 a major South Indian god,9 the deity of youth, power and virtue, this festival is a time for repentance for devotees with celebrations carried out mainly at the temple.
Does Thaipusam piercing hurt?
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.
What is special of Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a temple festival celebrated by Hindus of Tamil descent in Singapore. It is thus celebrated in the month of Thai (10th month according to the Tamil Almanac) on the day when the moon passes through the star “Pusam”. Thaipusam is a day of prayers and penance.
What is meant by Panguni Uthiram?
Panguni Uthiram (Tamil:பங்குனி உத்திரம்) (also known as Meena Uttara-phalguni in Sanskrit) is a day of importance to Tamil Hindus. Panguni Uthiram is a famous festival and special to Murugan, Ayyappa, Shiva and Vishnu devotees. It is the Purnima or full moon of the month of Panguni (பங்குனி 14 March – 13 April).
Why Murugan has 2 wives?
Symbolism. The presence of the two consorts is said to denote the dual nature of Murugan, as the god of heaven and earth. Devasena, the celestial wife, is married in a traditional arranged marriage while the earthy Valli is won by Murugan, resulting in a love marriage.
Why do we carry Kavady?
Durban – The Hindu festival of Thai Poosam Kavady, or Kavady, is dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Lord Muruga. It is carried by a devotee to a Murugan temple. This action symbolises the carrying of one’s burdens to the Lord – seeking his help and guidance.
What is the Hindu festival of Thaipusam about?
The Hindu festival of Thaipusam is about faith, endurance and penance. When it’s celebrated in Malaysia it’s a dynamic, colourful, happy yet devotional event which can stretch for 3 or 4 days, and attract around one and a half million people each year.
How many people celebrate Thaipusam each year in Malaysia?
When it’s celebrated in Malaysia it’s a dynamic, colourful, happy yet devotional event which can stretch for 3 or 4 days, and attract around one and a half million people each year. 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.
Why do Tamils celebrate Thaipusam on Full Moon?
Every year in the Tamil month of Thai, starting in January and ending in February, millions of Tamils around the globe celebrate Thaipusam. On the day of the full moon, some Hindus pierce their skin as a sign of sacrifice in exchange for answered prayers or forgiveness from Lord Murugan. What is Thaipusam?
Where does the Thaipusam procession start in Singapore?
In Singapore, Hindu devotees start their procession at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in the early morning, carrying milk pots as offerings or attaching ” kavadis ” and spikes pierced on their body. The procession travels for 4 kilometres before finishing at Tank Road, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.