The Thai Pusam is a temple festival celebrated by the Thai community in India, Srilanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa and other countries where Tamil Community resides. In Kerala also this festival is celebrated.
The festival held on Full Moon of the Tamil month of Thai. Thaipusam is formed by combining two words, Thai is Tamil month and Pusam is the name of a star. The star is at its highest point in this time.
It signifies the victory of good over evil. It reflects the Victory of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of Combat. It is believed that Goddess Parvati gave "Vel" (lance) to Lord Murugan to destroy demon army on the Thaipusam Day.
It is dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also called, Lord Murugan, a major south Indian God.
On this day prayer and penance are done. They start at 4:00 Am in the morning with a procession. Those who are fasting, can take Milk and fruits in the morning and afternoon, in the evening they go to Murugan temple to worship and offer prayer.
The ladies carry Milk Pots while going to temples, this is called 'Kavadi'. Before consuming food, all Kavadi devotees sing song to praise Lord Murugan and chant his mantra.
The festival takes place for three days.
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