In Singapore, Thaipusam has been a major festival for the Tamil community for over 100 years.
Falling between January 15th and February 15th every year, Thaipusam is a celebration of Lord Murugan’s victory over evil forces.
During the festival devotees give thanks to Hindu God Lord Murugan, who symbolizes the traits of bravery, power and virtue. People thank Lord Murugan for defeating the daily demons in their lives like illnesses and misfortunes. Believers also ask forgiveness for their sins and pray for blessings. They place food offerings, flowers and bring gifts of devotion for prayers answered.
The Tamil term Kavadi has been translated as a burden of load
that is carried by devotees as a sacrifice to Lord Murugan. There are at least 5 different types of kavadis, including those that do not pierce the body. Some of the kavadis are made completely by hand by local craftsmen in Singapore.
A devotee bearing a kavadi is the symbol of devotion, humility and faith
The rituals of Thaipusam start more than a month before the festival. The devotees prepare themselves by physical, mental and spiritual disciplining.
The physical preparation starts with fasting for 48 days before Thaipusam, by having only one vegan meal, sleeping on the floor and taking cold showers.
Mental preparation includes controlling actions, speech and thoughts.
Spiritual preparation consists of meditation and prayer.
This brings the mind and the body in a Yogic form of preparation and helps devotees to stay in the state of meditation so they may safely perform their rite of devotion.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Thaipusam is that often no blood can be seen from the piercings that are made onto the kavadi-bearer’s skin.
This is also largely due to the skill and know-how of the piercers. This expertise comes from years of practice. Some of the piercers carried kavadi in the past. They undergo the same ascetic preparation as the devotees carrying the kavadi.
On Thaipusam barefoot kavadi-bearers and their supporters walk the traditional 4 km route that starts at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Rd and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank road. Kavadis can be seen attached to devotees via hooks, thin spears that perce their backs, mouth and cheeks.
While kavadi bearers are the most recognizable figures of Thaipusam, it takes a full community to make the festival possible. Piercers, family members and all the members of Tamil community play a very important part. Every individual journey of devotion is important.
Being part of this festival was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for the power of faith and community. Capturing these moments through my lens allowed me to witness the genuine expressions of joy, devotion, and gratitude. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to document such a meaningful celebration and share its beauty with others.