Thaipusam 2025: Date, Timings, History & Popular Places of Thaipusam

What is Thaipusam? Does everyone know about this festival? If not, we have created this informative blog about Thaipusam 2025, its date, timings, and history.

Thaipusam is a festival organized by Tamil society globally. This is devoted to Lord Murugan (Lord Kartikeya), the hindu god of war and victory. People believe the lord blesses them with strength and power to fight life’s challenges.

The festival’s aura is real, with a large crowd on the road, their bodies embellished with bright colors and elaborate piercings. The festival usually draws a large crowd, building an environment of unity and shared peace.

Multiple devotees celebrate the festival with devotion like carrying heavy structures or piercing their bodies to show their dedication or seek blessings. The day is energized with colorful rituals and lively processions, during which devotees express their deep passion with various acts of faith.

The celebration ensures the sign of good over evil, symbolized by Murugan’s win over a powerful demon. Through these activities, people wish to gain spiritual strength and purification.

Date & Timings of Thaipusam 2025

The word ‘Thaipusam’ is derived from combining two words, ‘Thai’ is the name of the Tamil month whereas ‘Pusham’ means the star name. Thus, the celebration of Thaipusam is the star at the highest point during the Thai month.

Every year during the full moon day of the Tamil month ‘Thai’ in the hindu lunar calendar, Thaipusam is celebrated. This often falls at the end of January to the start of February. Thaipusam will be celebrated on 11 February 2025, this year.

Thai Poosam on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 –

Sunrise	February 11, 2025 7:05 AM
Sunset	February 11, 2025, 6:16 PM
Poosam Nakshathram Begins	February 10, 2025, 6:00 PM
Poosam Nakshathram Ends	February 11, 2025, 6:34 PM

 

What is Thaipusam/ Thai Poosam?

The Tamil culture celebrates the festival called Thaipusam or Thai Poosam on the day of the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in January or February. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati devoted it to Lord Murugan, their son.

The day honors the victory of the lord over negative energy. The Tamil-speaking societies around Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka or South Africa celebrated the festival with enthusiasm.

History of Thaipusam 2025

Thaipusan is the grand, colorful festival celebrated to honor Lord Murugan’s win over evil things. The history behind the Thaipusam 2025 festival seems interesting. So let’s come with us to read the history of this festival.

The ‘Skanda Purana,’ a Hindu mythological book, mentions a demon named Soorapadman. He was so powerful that no one could defeat him, even with the combined action of every deva. In a dire effort to Lord Murugan with his strong powers.

Goddess Parvati, mother of Lord Murugan, gifted him a vel, a divine spear with the power to defeat evil. He headed to fight with the demon and beat him through the Vel. He later appeared before his devotees ascending on a peacock.

Hence, with the death of the demon, the Gods achieved peace in the universe. From then, people started the celebration for this Thaipusam festival.

Thaipusam preparations begin weeks or even months in advance. About a week before the event, the devotees undergo intense fasting and prayer to prepare their bodies and minds. The devotees would carry a “kavadi” (burden) and undergo other penances on the day of Thaipusam.

Some extreme ways to honor Lord Murugan include walking through burning coal, piercing kavadi bearers’ tongues, faces, and bodies with skewers, etc. Devotees think that these devotional acts can atone for their faults. They also think that they will have a happy, prosperous, and healthy life.

From then on, devotees organized the festival as a day of victory and dedication. Nowadays, it has special importance in Tamil society, driving people together in celebration and faith.

Significance of Thaipusam

He received this celestial sword from Mother Goddess Parvati on this day to defend the planet. Lord Muruga uses the “Vel,” a symbol of wisdom and light, to purge the universe of all bad energies and bring it back to harmony and balance.

The terrible forces that were torturing all of the sages and people throughout Trilok, or three separate universes, were vanquished by Lord Muruga. Ego, attachment, and hatred—the three human evils—are equated to the three Asuras.

How to Celebrate Thaipusam 2025?

Follow the below steps to perform the festival of Thaipusam 2025:

1. Join the Parade

One step to participate in the festival is by participating in a colorful parade. The processions alongside devoted people dive into the lively atmosphere. The strength of the devotees would make it a mesmerizing experience, there is nothing quite like becoming part of the celebration. The rhythmic music of the drums will make your feet tap in no time.

2. Witness the Kavadi Ritual

The ritual for those with a sense of extraordinary, viewing the Kavadi ritual is important. People carry large, ornate tools called Kavadi, usually attached to their skin, with hooks or skewers. This is a vision that is both awe-inspiring and intense.

The dedication and focus towards the festival celebration are completely something to behold. You will not forget the unique display of dedication.

3. Offer Flowers and Fruits

Feeling great? Get some fruits and flowers to the temple as an offering to the Lord. This is a simple yet meaningful way to show your appreciation to the deity and take part in activities.

The vibrant colors of flowers and the fresh fragrance of the fruits give a festive environment. Additionally, this is an opportunity to share the communal spirit of the day.

4. Try Some Traditional Sweets

Have a sweet tooth? Surrender in some traditional homemade Indian sweets which are usually shared during the festival. From sticky jalebis to creamy laddoos, there is something for every flavor.

Such treats are not only to satisfy your taste buds but even connect you with the rich culinary customs of the celebration. Your cravings will satisfy you.

5. Wear Bright Colors

Why not wear some traditional dress or bright colors? Bright colors are considered to wear for the Thaipusam festival. Wearing such vibrant colors displays your enthusiasm and helps to blend into the festive atmosphere.

Indeed, this is the fun part to showcase your joy and absorb the positive vibes everywhere. Hence, pull out the colorful clothing and enjoy the fun!

Rituals of Thaipusam Festival

The rituals performed for the lord free people from their bad sins and improve their lives with positive things. On the day of celebration, the first ritual is performed ‘Kavadi’ which is about people carrying heavy burdens with special wishes showing their deep love and trust for the deity.

Various people perform ‘Pada yatra’ which means traveling long distances to reach the temple. Before joining the parade, they keep a month-long fast. They do not consume alcohol or non-veg food; only eat veg or traditional food. Various devotees offer special prayers, sing bhajans, and recite divine mantras. Some people even get into a state of reverie.

The next ritual is ‘Paal kudam’ which means a pot of milk carried by the people. Further, the milk is offered to the deity’s feet. The process is called ‘Abhishekam’. People pray to god for their good wealth, prosperity, and happy life. When their problem is solved, they perform abhishek to pay tribute to the deity.

Feeding the crowd is considered the holy ritual of a festival called ‘Anna Danam’. Multiple people participate in this and lead their service or donate money to be part of custom beyond any selfishness. Piercing with vel is considered also a part of it. Some devotees pierce their tongue and cheek.

Devotees offer special prayers at home or embellish the idol of the lord. Prasadam or special feast prepared for the lord. Fasting is performed by following just one meal in a day along with fruits or milk for the entire day.

Benefits of Organizing Thaipusam 2025

Lord Kartikeya blesses the devotees with his divine powers to help with the problems. There are some benefits that devotees can achieve with this festival celebration:

1. People celebrate the day as wisdom or enlightenment. People pray to the deity to receive knowledge and achieve the power of brilliance. In this world, knowledge and education are the only way to obtain an enormous reputation and importance.

2. The weapon of Lord ‘Vel’ is a great charm. Discussing the weapon of Lord Murugan gives immense protection against any kind of destruction and negative things. Mostly, the lord removes the evil energies, then opens the mindset to determine people as their family.

3. It acquires peace and stability in people’s lives. Devotees who face problems with their family or relatives would be able to suffer problems and overcome them. The Lord guides them to live as a happy family.

Thaipusam for the Years 2025 to 2035

Following is the list of dates Thaipusam will be celebrated for the years 2025 to 2035 :-

Year	Holiday or Observance	Weekday	Date
2025	Thaipusam	Tuesday	Feb 11
2026	Thaipusam	Sunday	Feb 1
2027	Thaipusam	Friday	Jan 22
2028	Thaipusam	Wednesday	Feb 9
2029	Thaipusam	Tuesday	Jan 30
2030	Thaipusam	Sunday	Jan 20
2031	Thaipusam	Thursday	Feb 6
2032	Thaipusam	Tuesday	Jan 27
2033	Thaipusam	Sunday	Jan 16
2034	Thaipusam	Thursday	Feb 2
2035	Thaipusam	Tuesday	Jan 23

 

Popular Places of Thaipusam

The festival of Thaipusam is celebrated around the world with a huge Tamil society, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Suriname, and other countries as well. In other states of Malaysia, and also in Mauritius, Fiji, or Sri Lanka it is considered a national holiday.

In some places of Malaysia, people celebrate Thaipusam with joy and a lot of preparation. Let’s see those top 5 places in Malaysia for Thaipusam celebrations.

1. Kallumalai Temple (Perak)

This Ipoh temple, developed in 1889, sits next to a Buddhist temple and is surrounded by beautiful limestone hills. It has the honor of having among the most soaring towers of the hindu temples in the country, located around 20 meters.

As often quiet or peaceful during the off-season, the festival brings some life and color to this location. People in Northern Malaysia flock to the temple to offer their devotion to Lord Murugan.

Backside of the temple, visitors can even get an aviary occupied by peacocks, an auspicious animal considered to cater to Murugan’s war support.

2. Batu Caves (Selangor)

Is it even feasible to discuss Thaipusam temple visits without bringing up Malaysia’s most well-known Hindu temple?

Given that a tall statue of Lord Murugan stands outside, watching over everyone who passes in front of him, it is difficult to miss this sacred location. Due to its lengthy and colorful staircase, which can be difficult for even experienced hikers to navigate, Batu Caves frequently attracts both domestic and foreign tourists.

For many years, the Thaipusam parade of the chariot carrying Lord Murugan has started in the Sri Mahamariaman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and ends at Batu Caves. Thousands of worshippers climb the stairway to reach the shrine in the cave above, which is 272 steps high, as soon as the chariot arrives.

3. Waterfall Temple (Penang)

The next location is Waterfall Temple whose actual name is Arulmigu Bala Thandayuthapani is recognizable to Penangites. Penang’s Thaipusam celebrations center around this temple, which is one of the oldest and is frequently visited by pilgrims.

You would be shocked to know that more than 500 steps lead to the top of the temple at Batu Caves if you have any problem while climbing up the stairs. This is the largest temple of Lord Murugan outside of India and for that purpose visiting alone is worth it.

Plus, due to its historical value, the location of the temple gives a gorgeous view of the surroundings of George Town, good for any intended photographer.

4. Shri Mahamariamman Temple (Kuala Lumpur)

It should come as no surprise that the Hindu community holds a particular place in their hearts for this 150-year-old temple in Kuala Lumpur, the oldest in the nation. What makes it a significant part of Thaipusam festivities? When Thaipusam rolls around, the temple activates its elaborate silver chariot.

Dedicated followers accompany the chariot as it carries statues of Lord Murugan and his other gods to Batu Caves.

The temple’s enormous construction, which includes a five-tiered tower decorated with more than 200 Hindu gods, is likely to astound visitors.

Particularly during the colorful Thaipusam celebrations, photographers are sure to have a field day, taking as many imaginative pictures as they like.

5. Muniswarar Temple (Johor)

The people widely consider Muniswara temple to be Johor’s Hindu temple, which serves as a hub of fun during Thaipusam. Devoted to Muniswarar, a respected family lord, the inner part of the temple is a place to visit with its wall coated with gold.

Having such an ornate design, some residents compare it to the natural beauty of Batu caves, and this is not difficult to see why. People perform lively Thaipusam parades here, starting and ending at the temple.

Tips for Visitors Attending Thaipusam Festival 2025

More than 1 million traditional Indians live in Malaysia, hence the Thaipusam festival is more difficult than you think it is. This ceremony should be missed, which is organized in an irregular Malaysian way.

Let’s see what you can do over there:

• Reach early to the destination, Batu Caves. The earlier you reach, the better it will be to enjoy the ceremony.
• Careful from stealers or stampedes.
• The weather could not be that good, so wear light clothes and carry sufficient water to hydrate yourself.
• Because of the crowds and the devotees finishing Kavadi, you might not want to make the entire ascent upstairs. Alternatively, you could investigate your surroundings. Visit their booths and indulge in the snacks and treats available. Talk to locals and find out more about the celebration.
• People make sacrifices to appease the Almighty, reaching their pinnacle during Thaipusam! Travelers to Malaysia widely celebrate it, making it a must-see site! If you do, be sure to present milk, honey, or coconut to the sacred location.

5 Cool Facts About Thaipusam 2025

1. Lord Murugan is a handsome and most beautiful looking God.
2. Lord Murugan uses a peacock as his vehicle, known as Parvani, which was originally a demon.
3. His weapon is not a trident, but a special weapon that represents kundalini shakti.
4. On the day of Thaipusam, kavadi is performed by the devotees to cure sickness.
5. Various states of Malaysia and Mauritius consider Thaipusam a public holiday, as it is a Tamil festival.

Conclusion

So, the Thaipusam festival is celebrated with joy and happiness. This is a thanks giving ritual to Lord Murugan, and known as Lord Subramanian also. People refer to the deity as the universal granter of desires. People believe that achieving one’s desires requires paying for past sins.

When people’s wishes are fulfilled, they vow to carry the kavadi for 1, 3, or 5 consecutive years. What are the rituals performed on this day; we have already discussed in the article.

People perform numerous activities on this auspicious day. A huge number of tourists flock during the festival to see the moves, colors, and noise of Thaipusam. So if you are thinking of being a part of this festival, you can visit the popular places to see its beauty.