Malaysia is truly a cosmopolitan country. It is a melting pot of various cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous tribes of Borneo. Consequently, there are many festivities and celebrations throughout the year. This also results in multiple public holidays. In fact, our country might have the highest number of public holidays in the world!
However, it’s quite a shame to discover that many Malaysian are still not familiar with stories behind these cultural celebrations. In fairness, though, with a high number of festivities, it’s hard to keep up will all of them. But fear not, as we’re here to help guide you through them. Let’s start with a celebration happening this very month – Thaipusam.
The origins of Thaipusam
The beginnings of Thaipusam can be traced in Hindu mythology. It follows the story of Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. He is also known as the god of courage, wealth, and wisdom. The fate of humanity was once at threat by three evil demons. It was Lord Murugan who slew these demons using a spear named Vel, thus ensuring peace.
Thaipusam is a celebration in honour of Lord Murugan. The name is a combination of the name of the Tamil month, Thai (January/February), and the name of a star, Pusam. A day of penance and thanksgiving, it features devotees paying homage by piercing their bodies, cheeks, and tongues with sharp skewers and hooks weighted down with oranges.
It is observed annually during the auspicious 10th month in the Tamil calendar on a full moon day. Dates can vary and change year by year because the festival follows a lunar calendar, but it usually takes place between January and February and lasts for three days. This year, it falls on February 8.
Not for the faint-hearted
There are various ways to pay penance on this day. However, one of the most popular methods is by bearing the kavadi. This is a physical burden made out of an elaborately decorated framework of steel rods and plywood. They can measure up to six feet high and weigh up to 80kg.
A Thaipusam parade is the place where we get to see thousands of devotees, mostly male, carry these kavadis. They do this while they walk miles or climb steep stairs to give thanks to Lord Murugan.
The kavadis are connected to to the skins of the carriers by hooks to vel kavadi – cages of spikes that pierce the skin, decorated with peacock feathers and bearing the image of Lord Murugan. The skins are usually pierced at the cheeks and back.
This is a show of endurance and willpower by the devotees. They claim to enter a trance during this time. They are unable to feel the pain of the body piercings or to even bleed. Firewalking is also practised and kavadi carriers try to outdo each other in the severity of his ‘torture’.
In the week leading to Thaipusam, those who will carry the kavadi are required to observe a supreme physical and mental regime. This includes celibacy, special prayers and a strict vegetarian diet. This is meant as an act of cleansing oneself and fending off all temptations for luxury and desire.
While the male devotees bear the kavadi, women and young pilgrims would carry the paal kudam. This is a milk offering which is held on the head using an arm to support the milk pot.
The 130th Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves
The largest Thaipusam celebrations in Malaysia takes place in Batu Caves. With the first festival held in 1891, this marks the 130th celebration at this famous location. Around 5,000 people visit Batu Caves on a daily basis and that figure goes up to a staggering 1.5 million during the Thaipusam celebration season!
As many know, Batu Caves a limestone hill with a series of caverns and temples. It is famed for the 42.7m granite-carved statue of Lord Murugan and the 272 step staircase that lead to the limestone caves on the top.
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