Thaipusam Festival
How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.
Thaipusam is one of the most famous Hindu festivals. It is traditionally held in Singapore in January/February. According to the legend, exactly this day, Shiva’s wife, goddess Parvati granted a spear to her son Murugan, so he could defeat the evil demons. Here comes the main idea of the feast that consist in the victory of good over evil.
The best-known highlight of Thaipusam is its ritual dance Kavadi, performed by thousands of devotees that pierce their bodies and faces with spires. It’s considered that such a self-torture helps to avoid malicious events during next year. Those participants who aren’t brave enough to do the mortification of the flesh, may give pot of milk, rice with honey as offerings. These gifts are commonly placed on the moving altar, specifically made for the feast.
In Singapore, the Thaipusam 4.5 km long ceremony starts in the Serangoon Road and spans to Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple, on the Keong Siak Road.
