Thaipusam

Thaipusam has become a major celebration and is one of the biggest celebrations amongst Hindus in Singapore.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Subramanian, who answers prayers and is also a day of penance.

During the Thaipusam Festival, religious people undertake several rituals and rites. Some participants and devotees carry out sacrificial acts of prayer. The cultural event involves male Indians praying to Subramanian while carrying Kavadis to show gratitude. This giant steel-made structure rack is almost 40 kilograms in weight and is decorated using flowers and fruits. Men use hooks and skew to attach them to their bodies, piercing their skin.

Before anyone takes this ritual, they must make some preparations in the form of a sacrificial act. First, you must observe strict mental and physical discipline. It is because the Thaipusam Festival is a celebration of one month of prayer. People eat a strict vegetarian diet and do other rituals like remaining pure by avoiding sex.

On the day of Thaipusam, the participant has to walk almost two miles to reach the Sri Permal Temple or through the Tank Road Temple. The family members start removing the metallic structures when the faithful reach there. The ceremony is witnessed by supporters who surround these groups while saying prayers and giving encouragement.