Thaipusam 2024 unfolds a vibrant celebration, marking Lord Murugan’s triumph over evil. Devotees engage in acts of penance, carrying kavadis, symbolizing sacrifice, devotion, and the cleansing of sins
Thaipusam 2024
Thaipusam, alternatively known as Thai Poosam, is a significant Hindu celebration predominantly observed by the Tamil community.
It occurs during the Tamil Solar month of Thai, corresponding to the Solar month Makara in other Hindu calendars.
This festival extends its celebration not only to countries with a predominant Tamil population but also to nations where Tamil communities exist, including Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Thaipusam is also recognized by the names Thaipooyam and Thaippooyam. The festival marks the symbolic moment when Parvati bestowed upon Murugan a Vel, a divine spear, empowering him to defeat the malevolent demon Soorapadam.
Thaipusam 2024 History
Thaipusam is a vibrant festival that celebrates the triumph of Lord Murugan over the evil demon Soorapadman.
The story unfolds in the Hindu mythological book “Skanda Purana,” where the devas faced a formidable foe in Soorapadman.
Unable to defeat him, they turned to Lord Shiva, who, in response, gave birth to Lord Murugan.
To empower his son, Parvathi, the mother of Lord Murugan, bestowed upon him a Vel, a divine spear capable of vanquishing evil.
Armed with this divine weapon, Lord Murugan confronted Soorapadman on the battlefield and emerged victorious, restoring peace to the universe.
In gratitude, devotees began celebrating this day as Thaipusam.
The preparations for Thaipusam commence weeks or even months in advance. Devotees prepare their minds and bodies through prayer and fasting in the lead-up to the festival.
On the day itself, devotees engage in acts of penance, such as carrying a ‘kavadi’ (burden). Some display extreme devotion by piercing skewers through their tongues, cheeks, or bodies, or walking through burning coals.
These acts symbolize a cleansing of sins and a belief in the blessings of happiness, wealth, and health bestowed by Lord Murugan.
Thaipusam 2024 Date & Time
- Thai Poosam falls on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
- Poosam Nakshathram begins at 08:16 AM on January 25, 2024.
- Poosam Nakshathram ends at 10:28 AM on January 26, 2024.
Thaipusam 2024 Importance
- Lord Murugan is considered a Tamil god, making Thaipusam particularly significant for the Tamil population worldwide, despite the multitude of gods worshipped in India.
- Thaipusam emphasizes discipline through devotion, as devotees undertake vows, practice celibacy, adopt a vegetarian diet, and engage in other preparatory rituals weeks before the festival. This instills a sense of discipline and fosters gratitude for the gift of life.
- It stands out as one of the world’s major festivals, celebrated not only in India but also grandly and spectacularly in various countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Thaipusam 2024 Rituals
- Thaipusam preparations start 48 hours in advance with fasting and prayer.
- Kavadi-bearers, who carry burdens in devotion, follow strict rituals, including observing celibacy and consuming pure, sattvic food.
- Devotees dress in yellow and orange clothing as part of the ceremony.
On Thaipusam Day:
- Devotees shave their heads before heading to the deity’s temple.
- Along the way, they engage in various forms of devotion, carrying different types of kavadi or burdens.
- Kavadi options range from a simple pot of milk to extreme acts like piercing the tongue, cheeks, or skin with vel skewers.
- The piercing serves as a constant reminder of Lord Murugan, granting bearers endurance.
- Upon reaching the temple, bearers lay down their kavadi, pouring honey or milk on the deity’s idol as a thanksgiving gesture.
- Devotees offer yellow fruits and flowers to Lord Murugan.
- Those using skewers and hooks have them removed at the temple, with wounds treated using hot ash.
- Surprisingly, there is no visible pain, blood, or scarring, reinforcing devotees’ faith in the divine.
Thaipusam 2024 Nakshatra
| Sunrise | January 26, 2024 7:13 AM |
| Sunset | January 26, 2024, 6:05 PM |
| Poosam Nakshathram Begins | January 25, 2024 8:16 AM |
| Poosam Nakshathram Ends | January 26, 2024 10:28 AM |
Thaipusam is a day of penance and gratitude to Lord Murugan for answering prayers and fulfilling desires. Devotees make vows, often carrying the Kavadi for 1, 3, or 5 years, upon the fulfillment of their wishes. The festival is celebrated with vibrant rituals and parades, drawing tourists to witness the spectacle of devotion and thanksgiving in the six temples dedicated to Lord Murugan in southern India.
READ MORE ABOUT: Makara Jyothi 2024 Date, Time, Rituals At Sabarimala.
Thaipusam 2024: The Rituals of Kavadi
- Meaning of Kavadi:
- Translates to ‘sacrifice at every step’ in Tamil.
- Description of Kavadi:
- Elaborate wooden and metal structure.
- Carried by devotees in the procession.
- Connection to Piercings:
- Secured to devotees through piercings.
- Devotees walk on spiked shoes, demonstrating dedication.
- Piercings Locations:
- The chest, back, and tongues of participants are pierced.
- Prevents speech, showcasing endurance.
- Historical Origin:
- Originates from a Puranic legend.
- A worshipper carried two hills on his shoulders.
- Lord Murugan blessed those carrying a similar object suspended by a pole.
- Modern Kavadi:
- Can weigh up to 40 kilograms and be 4 meters in height.
- Adorned with fruits and peacock feathers.
- Physical Challenge:
- Carriers walk in a semi-circle shape.
- Much weight is borne by piercings.
- Symbolizes seeking divine help.
- Symbolism:
- Resembles Lord Murugan’s divine weapon, the vel or spear.
- Getting pierced is believed not to cause pain due to spiritual and physical detachment.
- Purpose:
- The act of carrying the kavadi is a form of prayer and devotion.
- Devotees seek divine assistance, believing enduring physical burdens leads to blessings
Thaipusam festival dates between 2022 & 2030
| Year | Date |
| 2022 | Tuesday, 15th of February |
| 2023 | Sunday, 5th of February |
| 2024 | Friday, 26th of January |
| 2025 | Tuesday, 11th of February |
| 2026 | Sunday, 1st of February |
| 2027 | Saturday, 23rd of January |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 9th of February |
| 2029 | Tuesday, 30th of January |
| 2030 | Sunday, 20th of January |
Conclusion:
Thaipusam, celebrated in January, is a significant Hindu festival for the Tamil community, honoring Lord Murugan’s victory over evil. Devotees prepare with fasting and prayer, demonstrating discipline through vows and rituals.
The festival involves carrying ‘kavadi’ and extreme acts of devotion, symbolizing the cleansing of sins. Celebrated worldwide, it attracts tourists with vibrant rituals and parades, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
