8 Feb 2009
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan (also Subramaniam), the youngest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
On this day, devotees carried brightly-decorated ornate frames known as "kavadi", some decorated with peacock feathers and garlands. Others carried milk pots. The rituals were performed as acts of penance and to offer thanks to Lord Murugan, to fulfil vows and to repent for past sins.
