Thaipusam Revealed

With the increasing attention to India through the medium of superhit movies like Enthiran, 3 Idiots, Slumdog Millionaire and many more movies that garnered international attention, it came to my attention that foreigners becoming more and more curious about my Motherland.

In conjunction with the upcoming Indian festival Thaipusam(which takes place in Feb 7th 2012), I would like to take this opportunity to briefly touch about a piece of my rich culture.

What is Thaipusam?

The Myth: Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi was given a mango by Naratha. They couldn't decide to whom they could give it to so they told both their sons that whoever takes it around the world fastest may have the mango. Lord Murugan was excited to show his love for his parents, immediately dashed off to go around the world. Ganesha, on the other hand, thought for a brief while and much to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi's surprise, held the mango in his hands and walked around them, meaning his parents are his world and they have his utmost love above all. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi were extremely satisfied with the answer and praised Ganesha. Murugan heard of this and became angry. In a fit of rage, he left his home. Ganesha was stricken to have lost his brother this way, held a parade filled with offerings and many festivities to cajole his little brother home.

*there are many versions of how Thaipusam came about but this is my favourite version. If you want clarificaion as to which one is the true story, don't be shy to ask a Hindu Guru*


*Some corrections have been made after a nice commenter pointed out my mistake in the story of Thaipusam*

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi

Lord Ganesha

Lord Murugan - The One Who Got Away LOL ABISHTU!

Hence, a tradition was born where people carry offerings of milk, santhanam and honey and many more as a medium to bring Murugan back home.

Offerings of milk, honey and santhanam are known as Pal Kodam. Devotees wear yellow/orange traditional Indian outfits as it is considered a sacred color. Devotees who decided to take Pal Kodam must be vegetarian from 3 days to one week.

a) Milk

Milk is offered as a symbol to receive longevity.

b) Santhanam (Sandalwood paste)

Santhanam is offered as a symbol to receive luck in money.

c) Honey

Honey is offered as a symbol to receive blessings in education. So students out there who are sitting for major exams this year, take note.

The Kavadi:

It's a dance-like parade involving devotees impaling themselves with spikes attached to lemons and lime. Devotees go into a translike state and dance throughout the parade accompanied by booming musical instruments. Devotees who decide take kavadi must go on a strict vegetarian diet for one whole week.

It's not uncommon to see foreigners taking part in the Kavadi. =)

If you're planning a vacation to another country do stop by/consider Malaysia as your destination because you won't even see this in India Thaipusam is pretty much a Malaysian thing. This happens only once a year so do take this opportunity to take part in this very colorful and happening event. 

Dossvedanya! =)