Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Thaipusam Festival in Penang

Thaipusam Festival in Penang
Thaipusam Festival in Penang is one of the major Hindu festivals, which is celebrated by thousands of devotes of Malaysia each year. This festival of Penang in Malaysia is celebrated on a full moon day in the tenth Tamil month either in January or in February. Observing the consecration of Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, Thaipusam Festival celebrates the day when Lord Siva's wife, Parvathi, gifted her son, Murugan, the weapon to defeat three demons.


Features of Thaipusam Festival in Penang
- During Thaipusam Festival in Penang, a kavadi or a frame of colored papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits is made and carried to the temple at Waterfall Gardens.

- In a show of penance, they also practice mortification of flesh by piercing cheeks, tongues, or foreheads with spikes, skewers and other metal implements.

- The procession is carried on a silver chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subramaniumm bedecked with gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies

- Honey or milk is also offered

- Much before the festival, devotees practice meditation, a vegetarian diet and rigorous hardship

- Thaipusam Festival in Penang also includes sale of religious artifacts, Indian food, decorative items and audio cassettes.



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