This Hindu festival Thaipusam is always celebrated in January or February yearly,during
the full moon of the 10th months in the Hindu Calendar.
Thaipusam commemorates the birthday of Lord Murugan and his destruction of the evil
demon, Soorapadman. Every year, thousands of visitors and devotees throng the island
to witness this spectacle of epic proportions. In a show of faith and devotion,
Hindus (including quite a few foreigners) in a trance carry magnificent kavadis
that are pierced into their bodies or pots of milk as offerings to Lord Murugan.
The three-day event includes a silver chariot procession where the statue of Lord
Murugan makes its way from a temple in the George Town heritage enclave to a hill
side temple in Waterfall Road. As the chariot passes the streets, devotees smash
coconuts as offerings and to give thanks to the deity.
Along Waterfall Road, stalls selling everything from souvenirs and prayer paraphernalia
to Indian sweet meats, drinks and snacks line the street. This Hindu festival comes
alive in a carnival-like atmosphere with chanting and music – an experience
like no other!