Record turnout for Thaipusam procession

When hospital worker Surendran Vijay lifted the kavadi onto his shoulders in the early hours of Feb 1, the physical strain was familiar, but what weighed heavier was gratitude.

- Yogita Anbuchezhian

Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower, speaking with Hindu devotees while carrying a paalkudam (milk pot) during the Thaipusam procession on Feb 1. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

(ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO)

This was the fourth consecutive year the 42-year-old has carried the kavadi at Thaipusam, a vow he began fulfilling since the birth of his daughter, Lakshmika, following eight years of marriage without children.

"My first kavadi experience was unforgettable. Since then, I have continued to carry it. Now, it has become a routine," he noted.

He returns each year, not to seek new blessings, but to give thanks, he said.

Mr Surendran was among the thousands who took part in Thaipusam this year, which saw a record turnout.

More than 19,000 devotees carried paalkudams (milk pots) offered to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of courage and virtue, while 349 devotees bore kavadis, according to the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB). This exceeded the previous high of almost 16,000 devotees in 2025.

Observed annually by Hindus, Thaipusam is a deeply spiritual festival where devotees carry milk offerings on their heads, while others bear kavadis.