- KUALA LUMPUR
Ultimate Guide To Thaipusam In KL
A Deeply Cultural Festival Centered Around Faith, Endurance & Repentance
Kuala Lumpur is an eclectic and gorgeous hub of culture and class, a true gem of Southeast Asia. But you haven’t experienced the city in all its colorful, crowded, celebratory glory until you’ve experienced Thaipusam. Scroll on to find out what this festival has to offer!
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WHAT IS THAIPUSAM?
Thaipusam Festival In Kuala LumpurCelebrated by the Tamil Hindu community on the full moon in the month of Thai, which falls in January or February each year, Thaipusam is held in honor of Lord Murugan and his victory over evil. This year, it will be held on February 11, 2025. It is celebrated in the temples of Lord Murugan around the world but some of the biggest and boldest celebrations take place at Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple – more commonly referred to as the cavernous stone space that houses this simple temple – the Batu Caves. Intense preparations for Thaipusam begin months in advance as devotees subject themselves to a strict ritual. Through a combination of fasting and praying, followers cleanse their minds and bodies of impurities, to condition themselves for the rigors of the ceremony.
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THAIPUSAM IN KUALA LUMPUR
Thaipusam Festival In Kuala LumpurMore than a million devotees and tourists head to Batu Caves every year, defying Kuala Lumpur’s punishing humidity, traffic congestion and crowded streets. Standing at 42.7 meters and painted in majestic gold tone, the foot of the limestone outcrop is landmarked by the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world. Witness devotees make the pilgrimage up the 272 steps to reach the peak of the temple, where some bear the kavadi, while others carry the paal kudam (milk pots). For many, Thaipusam also serves as the opportunity to see the scenes of intense sacrifice and feats of endurance taken by worshippers as they seek repentance, make vows or as an act of gratitude.
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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CARRYING THE KAVADI
Thaipusam Festival In Kuala LumpurFrom having needles pressed through the tongue and cheeks to carrying large objects attached to the body by skewers, the Kavadi that each devotee carries symbolizes his/her burden like the two hills carried by Idumban - a great devotee of Lord Murugan. Tongue and cheek piercing symbolize the sacrifice of giving up speech and talking. Those with the large Kavadi, of which some can weigh up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds), experience extreme suffering. It is believed that the burden in the life of a devotee who carries Kavadi will be lessened and is considered as a highly auspicious act.
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HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL IN KUALA LUMPUR?
Thaipusam Festival In Kuala LumpurBatu Caves get overwhelmingly busy and crowded on the day of Thaipusam. It’s advisable to arrive early if you are driving and the most convenient way to get to Batu Caves is via Commuter Train (KTM) to Batu Caves station from KL Sentral. Visitors should keep their distance from the procession to avoid interfering with the devotees, especially those with bulky and heavy kavadi attached to their skin to avoid accidents.. As it is a religious festival, do remember to be dressed modestly. Be rewarded with a cultural experience unlike no other in Malaysia!
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