Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/ February). It is celebrated not only in countries where the Tamil community constitutes a majority, but also in countries where Tamil communities are smaller, such as Singapore and Malaysia. The festival is also referred to as Thaipooyam. The word Thaipusam is derived from the month name Thai and Pusam, which refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadam. There is a misconception among people that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; however, it is believed that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May/ June), is Murugan's birthday.


Thaipusam Celebration, Batu Caves
7 February 2012
Batu Caves Hindu Association
Tel: 03-6189 6284
Fax: 03-6187 2404