Malaysia is a multiracial country, so there will be festivals and celebrations of all sizes 365 days a year. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to visit traditional festivals of various races. Although Penang is a small island, if there is a celebration or event, it must be crowded with people and it is very lively! Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil people. It is held every year in the 10th month of the Tamil calendar, and this year's Thaipusam falls on February 8.

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Hinduism

Tamils believe in Hinduism, and Hinduism has three main gods, namely Brahma, the god of creation, Vishnu, the god of protection, and Shiva, the god of destruction.

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The Origin of Thaipusam Festival

Although the Thaipusam celebrations are always crowded with people, you may think it is a joyous festival, but in fact, Thaipusam is a festival for believers to repent and fulfill their promises. The origin of Thaipusam is a celebration set up by Hindus to celebrate the birthday of Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and the Snow Mountain Goddess, and his successful defeat of demons. There is another theory that Murugan inherited the reign from his father on this day.

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Customs of Thaipusam

Penitents must strictly abide by the precepts, abstinence and vegetarianism for up to 1 month before participating in this celebration. In addition, before carrying Kavadi (Kavadi), all penitents must accept the admonitions of temple priests and fast for 24 hours to purify their bodies and minds.

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Sacrificial Ceremony

There are many kinds of sacrificial ceremonies for believers, but the most common one is to pierce the tongue, cheek, etc. with silver needles, or to embed countless small iron hooks on the back, with a thick rope tied at the end of each hook and pulled by one person behind. tight. Some believers will also carry huge steel bow-shaped shackles, which is the above-mentioned Kawadi, and then parade from one temple to another for prayers and sacrifices.

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In addition, on the day of the celebration, you will see many people on both sides of the street smashing coconuts vigorously. In addition to breaking down the barriers of self, this act is also a symbol of believers' wish and recovery.

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Where to watch Thaipusam Festival in Penang

Generally, the chariot and the parade will depart from Little India at 5:00 a.m. on the same day, passing through Niugandong, Chailutou, Haiqianxin Road, Toutiao Road, Ganzaiyuan Road and Xixi Road along the way, and the final destination is Pupu Road Temple of Mars on the top of the hill. If you want to see the busiest moment of Thaipusam, you can wait at Kanzai Yuen Road between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, because that is the place where the most people throw coconuts, and it is also a good place to take pictures. Finally, you can also go directly to the Temple of War God to watch the complete sacrificial ceremony.

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In fact, the most incredible thing about the Thaipusam celebration is that believers use various metals to pierce a certain part of the body, and carry a heavy Kawadi for a long distance. Does not leave scars. They believe that the god Murugan was with them during the ceremony, making them feel pain-free throughout the process.

Penang Little India

Address: Lebuh Pasar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.

Dato Keramat Road

Address: 110, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.

Temple of War (Arulmigu Balathdayuthapani Temple)

Address: 17, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang.

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