Thaipusam Festival 2008

The birth of Lord Murugan was celebrated joyfully where devotees make pilgrimage by carrying the kavadi to His 'home' in Batu Caves. The occasion also represents the day when Parvati, Lord Murugan's mother gave him a vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. In conjunction with His birthday, fellow Indians also welcomed the dawn of new month where blissful occasions such as marriage can be carried out. They call it the month of 'Thai' or Thai matham.

The festival took off on January 21 from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam located along Petaling Street. Devotees were already making their way to the temple from 6pm onwards in order to see Lord Murugan seated in His silver chariot, and to walk alongside. It is said that those who aid in pushing the chariot or let alone touching it brings good vibe and cleanses your mind from all evil deeds.

By 12.20am, which was said to be the right time for the chariot to move, the area was swarmed with people from all walks of life. Passer-by also stopped to witness the reign of the mighty Lord Murugan as He made His way to Batu Caves located in Gombak. The mega occasion drew crowds from Canada, India and China among others. Along the way, devotees who set up booths were waiting patiently for the chariot to stop by so that they can make their offering to the Lord.

Among other offerings that the young and old alike were prepared to accomplish was through body piercing and carrying the kavadis, or milk or fire pots, and walking on nailed slippers up the stairs that leads to the temple. To endure this pain that they really do not feel, they were required to be vegetarians and abstain from all worldly pleasures.

As appalling as these acts of body piercing can be, there is a reason why they showcase this 'act of thanksgiving'. It is said nothing comes easy. Likewise, for those who have devotedly asked Lord Murugan to be their saviour during bad times, He granted them without hesitation. Therefore in order to give thanks to the mighty Lord, nothing too simple can profess how grateful and joyful they are when their prayers were answered. And they chose the extreme. Some even roll on the road, having nothing but the Lord in their mind, body and soul.

Besides the showcase of thanksgiving, there was also fun fair with loads of sweet candies and mouth watering Indian food. While munching away, the crowd was drawn to an array of traditional attire booths, which are quite a catch especially those on sale.

Lord Murugan and His silver chariot will make their walk back to the Mariamman Temple along Petaling Street on the January 24 around 4pm.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Thaipusam
• Festival
• 2008
• thangavel
• murugan
• batu
• caves

[luuzann]

Arokara murugah

[benedict521]

i hope that hurts the next morning...hahaha!

[benedict521]

i have no words to describe at these people, but i'll try. they are F#*U%CK(^k@i*&^n##@ S&^H(&^i^%#T!!!!!

got the word?

[deadman3192]

Jai Lord Muruga

[tonyshit80]

Ayo yoooo...ka,de valerrrr.....

[Carribean11]

@tonyshit80

bastard la u............1

[monishananda81]

naddiah u r dam stupid, blady bitch u..wats so scary for u n wat u mean by yucky..idiot fucker

[tonyshit80]

I,like hindu girls...they are really hot...Ayoyo...ma..ayoyo paa....

my wife also indian girl, she very hot in bed...I satified....

[tonyshit80]

Pls put "S" after God, to shows we have many gods.....

[kkkko0000]

You need to know about the religion deeper, these people are in a trance by god and feel no pain whatsoever. They have vowed to devote to god and undertake this ritual on the day of thaipusam as a way of thanking the lord muruga as god had fulfilled their wishes (perhaps giving a baby..etc.).