Thaipusam is a thanksgiving festival where devotees celebrate the fulfilment of their vows.
The Hindu festival, celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai, will be observed on Jan 25, according to the Hindu Endowments Board.
During the festival, devotees walk in procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (SSPT) in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (STT) in Tank Road, carrying milk pots and kavadis (decorated wood and metal arches) as offerings for Sri Murugan.
The Thaipusam procession will start with the first batch of devotees leaving SSPT from 11.30pm on Jan 24.
All devotees who participate in the Thaipusam procession are required to fulfil their walk and arrive at STT by 11pm on Jan 25.
Kavadi carriers can engage traditional Indian musicians to play for them en route and at the respective live music points. Up to two traditional percussion instruments are allowed for each kavadi.
There are five live music points – an increase from three – at Hastings Road, Short Street, Cathay Green, Clemenceau Avenue and opposite Selegie Centre.
Musicians (bhajan groups or urumi groups) engaged by kavadi bearers can play at these live music points. Traditional temple musicians will be stationed at Hastings Road and Short Street to play for kavadis between 7am and noon, and 4pm and 10pm.
At thaneer panthals (water points) located throughout the procession route, Thaipusam hymns can be played from 7am to 10pm on Thaipusam day.
Complete information regarding the festival is available at https://thaipusam.sg/
Devotees are required to register at the website to participate in the festival.
