We take a look at what to expect from one of Singapore’s most exciting and visually stunning festivals: Thaipusam.
Thaipusam is not as well-known as Chinese New Year, Deepavali or the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it is one of Singapore’s most exciting and visually stunning festivals.
This Hindu festival of thanksgiving is held on the day of the full moon during the Tamil month Thai (usually January or February in our calendar).
Dates for Thaipusam
Thaipusam changes its dates every year according to the Tamil calendar. Upcoming dates are:
- 2025: 11th February
- 2026: 1st February
What is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival of Thanksgiving. It honours the Hindu deity Subramanya, also known as Lord Muruga, the son of Shiva.
Devotees take part in a procession, to give thanks for having their wishes and hopes fulfilled.
What makes this procession so enthralling for the spectators, is that to show their dedication these hundreds of devotees impose various forms of self-torture!
They do this by either by piercing their chest or cheeks with spikes, or carrying a Kavadi – a cage-like structure, usually adorned with peacock feathers, Hindu deities and brass bells, which is carried via various body piercings.
They also carry milk pots which are offered to Lord Muruga on arrival at their destination – the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple.
The kavadi-bearers observe several rituals throughout this time – vows of silence and celibacy, and abstain from most foods, intoxicating drinks or drugs, shaving or wearing shoes.
Where can we watch the Thaipusam Procession?
The procession takes the devotees along a 4.5 kilometre walk from the Sri Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road in Little India to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple at Tank Road.
Live musicians line the procession route, adding to the festive atmosphere.
If you would like to experience this fascinating festival, then the best place to catch the action is probably Serangoon Road in Little India. Head there early in the morning to get yourself a good spot.
Remember! While the festival is an amazing spectacle for visitors, it is also a sacred religious ritual, so please be respectful to keep your distance so as not to distract the focus of the devotees.
