Thaipusam

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Thaipusam commemorates the victory of Murugan over the demon Surapadman with the vel, the divine spear his mother Parvati gave him. Devotees prepare with prayer, a vegetarian diet and fasting, then perform the kavadi, carrying a physical burden or a pot of milk as an offering, some piercing their skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers. It is observed by Tamils in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and beyond, and is a public holiday in Tamil Nadu, Mauritius and several Malaysian states; in Malaysia thousands gather at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur.