Thaipusam, the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Muruga, is celebrated on Pournami or Poosam during Thai month. 2020 Thaipusam date is February 8.
Thai Pusam is celebrated with utmost gaiety in Malaysia and Singapore, especially at Batu Caves Murugan temple in Kuala Lumpur. In 2020, it is estimated that way more than one million devotees and tourists will visit the Batu Caves Temple to pay homage to Lord Muruga.
Kavadis are the major attractions during Thaipoosam celebrations at Batu Caves temple. Devotees carry various colourful kavadis up the 272 steps to the Murugan temple and pay their homage as fulfillment of vows for wishes granted. The celebrations start in the early morning on Thai Pusam day and the chants of Vel Muruga! Vel Vel Muruga! blow the atmosphere with festivity. Women folk carry Pal Kudam (milk pots) as their offering to the Lord. The couples who want to be blessed with divine looks of Murugan carry their children in saffron cradles.
Apart from Tamil people living in Tamil Nadu and other states of India, the Tamil communities in Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, Australia, United States of America, Japan and some other countries also celebrated the festival with utmost fervor.
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