The Story of Thaipusam

One of the biggest Hindu Tamil celebrations in Malaysia, this is a festival you would not want to misshaving been held for 135 years since 1888

- Koyyt Chin

Late at night, the excitement along the streets in Kuala Lumpur is palpable; a large crowd of pilgrims gather in front of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown for the procession of Lord Murugan's silver chariot. And as soon as the gates open, gasps of awed reverence ripple across the crowd; lighting up the dark sky in a fluorescent display of silver and white, is the utsavamurti (the idol form) of Lord Murugan, the Hindu Tamil god of war.

An annual three-day celebration dedicated to the deity, Thaipusam is held on the full moon day (pusam) in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). Preparations for the festival begin as early as months, if not weeks, prior to the main event. A time for devotees are devotion, sacrifice and self-purification, to practise a state of abstinence, usually by fasting and eating one vegetarian meal a day. Some even sleep on hard floors and shave their heads as a symbol to renounce their worldly comforts and vanity, which is part of their spiritual preparation for the festival.

That's not all; to make the 15km trek from Chinatown to Batu Caves and climb the 272 steps that lead to Lord Murugan's shrine, devotees would have to build up their physical strength as well as their stamina for the long journey ahead. Additionally, they perform worship ceremonies and pray to Lord Murugan as well, strengthening their mental fortitude while preparing themselves to enter a trance-like state-a vital component that allows a devotee to make the gruelling trip.

SACRIFICES AND BURDENS