20 BRAVOLTZ BLOGGIE: Start the Tiruvizha

The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a Vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. It is commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday.

So you can ask me what is so special about this festival? Uhmm, well the Kavadi Attam (Burden Dance) is the ceremonial sacrifice and offering performed by devotees during the worship of Murugan. It is often performed during the festival of Thaipusam. At its simplest, this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewer.

The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders to the temple. In addition, some have a small spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. And I swear I’ve no idea of how painful it is. Devotees carry the kavadis to ask for forgiveness, keep a vow or offer thanks. A kavadi carrier can have as many as 100 spears piercing his flesh, but apparently loses little blood, sustained by faith in a trancelike state.

Besides, most women devotees carry a pot of milk called a palkuddam. The milk is poured over the statue of Lord Murugan at the end of the procession. Those who take part are usually individuals who have asked the deity for a favour. In return, they vow to undergo the ritual test of physical and spiritual endurance. Apart from those who go to the temples on Thaipusam day to fulfil their vows and to do penance, there are others who go with their families to offer prayers and to seek spiritual solace.

All along the way, devotees chant hymns in praise of the deity. The celebrants following the procession chant “Vel, vel, kavadi”

After all 31^st of January 2018 is the day whom every Hindus waiting for this year. I hope you had enough idea of what is Thaipusam all about.

May this festive brings you joy and happiness together with good prosperity.

-Vetrivel Muruganake Haroghara-