Hindu devotees in Singapore will observe Thaipusam this weekend on Feb. 8, 2020.

Some will choose to carry kavadis (semi-circular wooden or steel structures) or milk pots while walking barefoot between temples at Serangoon Road and Tank Road.

The significance of Thaipusam

The word Thaipusam is derived from "thai", which is the 10th month of the Hindu calendar, and "pusam", which stands for "when the moon is at its brightest", or a full moon, according to this resource by the National Library Board.

The festival is dedicated to the Lord Subramaniam (also known as Lord Murugan), the destroyer of evil, who is a symbol of bravery, youth, virtue and power.

One of the legends behind the festival is that Lord Subramaniam appeared to one of his devotees in a vision after slaying evil demons, and was adorned in jewels, carrying a spear and riding a golden chariot.

As Hindus believe that Lord Subramaniam is the universal dispenser of favours, devotees make offerings to show their gratitude, fulfil vows, and seek blessings from him.

Different offerings made by devotees

Devotees prove their gratitude to Lord Murugan in a variety of ways, from carrying a kavadi to carrying a pot filled with milk.

The Kavadi

Kavadis signify "a sacrifice at every step" and come in a few forms.

Some are dome-shaped, with supports at the shoulders or hip, while some have spikes that pierce the skin of the devotee.

According to AsiaOne, one devotee in Singapore had a kavadi that weighed between 35kg to 40kg and reached up to two storeys in height (including the height of the devotee).

Other kavadis are D-shaped and are carried on the shoulders and decorated with flowers and peacock feathers.

Peacock feathers are often seen on the kavadis as the peacock is said to be the vehicle of the Lord Subramaniam.

Religious self-mortification

To prove their gratitude to Lord Murugan, some devotees pierce their tongues, cheeks, forehead or their body, with spear-like needles or hooks.

Some devotees even walk on shoes made of nails as an act of penance.

Other devotees, including kids, carry milk pots

While some devotees carry a kavadi, another group of devotees join in by carrying a pot of milk, which symbolises fertility and abundance.

According to this post, some milk pots can be about 6kg in weight.

As a testament to racial and religious harmony, this event in Singapore is attended by people from all walks of life.

A strict diet

In the month leading up to Thaipusam, many devotees will eat a strict vegetarian diet, without eggs and meat.

This is aligned with the belief that devotees will not feel any pain during the sacred act if their body is free of physical pleasures.

The route

Devotees will walk about 4km, often barefoot, with their relatives and friends who will chant hymns and prayers to support their efforts.

You can witness this colourful procession anywhere between Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road on Feb. 8, and some lanes are closed to traffic for the occasion.

Here's a rough look at the start and end points. (The exact route is not as shown below.)

Event details for Thaipusam 2020

Date: Feb. 8, 2020

Time: Around 4am to 7.30pm

Route: Starts at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

Top photo by Low Jeffery Low‎/Facebook