Thaipusam Festival 2023 : Tamil Festival 2023 Dedicated to Lord Murugan

The Story behind the Thaipusam festival centers around the Hindu god Murugan, who is also known as Kartikeya and Subrahmanya. According to Hindu mythology, Murugan was born to the god Shiva and goddess Parvati in order to defeat a powerful demon named Soorapadman.

The story goes that Soorapadman, who was a powerful asura (demon) king, began to terrorize the universe with his evil deeds. The gods, unable to defeat him, approached Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva then decided to take the form of six babies, which were looked after by the Six Karthigais (Divine Mothers) who were the stars of the Pleiades constellation. One of the babies was Murugan, who was born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Murugan grew up to be a powerful warrior and defeated Soorapadman in a fierce battle. As a reward for his victory, he was given the title of “Lord of the Kavadi” (Kavadi Aatchi) and the festival of Thaipusam was established in his honor.

Devotees carry Kavadis (decorated structures) as a symbol of their devotion to Murugan, and as a way to thank him for blessings received or to ask for his help in overcoming challenges. They also fast and engage in other acts of devotion such as piercing their skin with needles, hooks and skewers.

The festival is celebrated primarily by Tamil communities around the world, particularly in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Significance of Thaipusam :

Thaipusam is a significant festival for Hindus, Particularly for those who follow the Murugan Tradition. The festival has several spiritual and cultural significance :

1. Devotion to Murugan : The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and a tribute to Murugan, the Hindu god of war, who is believed to be the savior of the world.
2. Fulfillment of Vows: The festival is an opportunity for devotees to fulfill their vows and promises made to Murugan. The act of carrying a Kavadi is a form of penance, which is believed to bring blessings and fulfill wishes.
3. Self-Purification : The festival is an opportunity for devotees to purify themselves through acts of devotion and Penance. The fasting and other rituals associated with the festival are believed to help purify the mind, body, and soul.
4. Cultural Significance : The festival brings together people from all walks of life and promotes a sense of community and belonging. It also serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Tamil culture and tradition.
5. Religious Significance : Thaipusam is considered as a day of great religious significance and is a day when the blessings of the Lord are easily obtained. It is believed that on this day, the Lord Murugan is in a benevolent mood and readily grants the prayers of his devotees.

In summary, Thaipusam is a festival that promotes devotion, Self-Purification, Cultural Preservation, and community unity. It is an opportunity for devotees to express their gratitude and seek blessings from the Lord Murugan.

Thaipusam Rituals :

Thaipusam is a Festival that involves Several Rituals and Practices. Some of the Most Common Rituals associated with the festival include:

1. Fasting : Many devotees fast for several days leading up to Thaipusam as a form of purification and self-discipline.
2. Kavadi Attam : Kavadi Attam is a Dance Performed by devotees who carry Kavadis, which are large, decorated, and sometimes heavy structures. The dance is performed in a trance-like state and is believed to be a form of devotion and penance.
3. Milk Pot: Many devotees carry a pot of milk on their heads as an offering to Lord Murugan. The pot is decorated with flowers, and the milk is considered to be a sacred offering.
4. Piercing: Some devotees engage in acts of piercing their skin with needles, hooks, and skewers as a form of devotion and penance.
5. Procession: The festival culminates in a grand procession, where devotees carrying kavadis, milk pots, and other offerings, march to the temple of Lord Murugan.
6. Abishekam : Devotees perform abishekam which is the ritual of bathing the deity with milk, yogurt, honey, and other items.
7. Offering of Fruits, Flowers and other Things: Devotees will make offerings of fruits, flowers and other things to the Lord Murugan.
8. Prayers : Devotees will engage in prayers, hymns and recitation of mantras to Lord Murugan.

Please Note that the rituals and practices may vary depending on the location and the community. Not all rituals are followed by everyone and some may not be followed at all.

Thaipusam Outside India :

Thaipusam is a festival that is celebrated primarily by Tamil communities around the world, particularly in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. The festival is also celebrated by Tamil diaspora communities in other countries.

In Malaysia, Thaipusam is a Public Holiday and is celebrated with Great fervor and devotion. It is one of the most colorful festivals in Malaysia, and the largest Thaipusam Celebration outside of India takes place in Batu Caves, a limestone hill near Kuala Lumpur.

In Singapore, Thaipusam is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and is marked by a procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road.

In Sri Lanka, Thaipusam is Celebrated in the Northern City of Jaffna and other parts of the country.

In other countries such as United States, Canada, Australia, UK, France, etc., the festival is celebrated by Tamil diaspora communities in Hindu temples and community centers.

Overall, Thaipusam is celebrated worldwide by the Tamil communities and its an important festival for the Tamils. The rituals and practices may vary depending on the location and the community, but the core essence of devotion to Lord Murugan remains the same.

FAQ’s on Thaipusam Festival :

1. What is the Date of Thaipusam Festival ? The Date for Thaipusam festival is based on the Tamil calendar and is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai. The exact date varies from year to year and is determined by the lunar calendar.

2. Who Celebrates the Thaipusam Festival ? The festival is celebrated primarily by Tamil communities around the world, particularly in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is also celebrated by Tamil diaspora communities in other countries.
3. What is the significance of the Thaipusam festival ? The festival has several spiritual and cultural significance, such as devotion to Murugan, fulfillment of vows, self-purification, cultural preservation, and community unity.
4. What are the rituals associated with the Thaipusam festival ? The festival involves several rituals such as fasting, kavadi attam, milk pot, piercing, procession, Abishekam, offering of fruits, flowers and other things, and prayers.
5. Where is the largest Thaipusam celebration outside of India ? The largest Thaipusam celebration outside of India takes place in Batu Caves, a limestone hill near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
6. Is Thaipusam a Public Holiday ? Thaipusam is a public holiday in some of the countries where it is celebrated, such as India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

7. Can Non-Hindus Participate in the Thaipusam Festival ? Non-Hindus are welcome to observe and learn about the festival, but participation in some of the rituals such as piercing may not be allowed. It is best to check with the temple or community where you want to participate for Guidance.

Final Words : When is Thaipusam in 2023: Date, Tithi and all you need to know

THAIPUSAM IN 2023: DATE

Thaipusam falls during the month of Thai, on Purnima (Full Moon day). Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Lord Murugan, the God of war.

According to the Tamil Calendar, Thaipusam is on February 05 this year.

Poosam Nakshatra Begins on February 04, 2023, at 09:16 am
Poosam Nakshatra Ends on February 05, 2023, at 12:13 pm