Monday, 25 February 2013

Thaipusam 2013

Thaipusam 2013

Date: 27th January 2013 *the festival starts a day before and ends on the next day*

Main Venue: from  Little  India  to Waterfall (Jalan Kebun Bunga) via Jalan Dato Keramat

Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar  and  is  normally  held  during  the  last  week  of  January  or  the beginning of February. During this celebration, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then 60 Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road.The tradition of breaking of coconuts is carried out the day before to “clean” the roads for this  divine  journey.  The  devotees then  go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as an act of penance. Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums of devotional songs are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will fulfill their vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required.

This festival of rich culture and deep tradition is an 'out of this world' experience which draws a massive crowd of tens of thousands to these streets in Penang yearly. Visitors especially from outside Malaysia are encouraged to experience this unique religious celebration.


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