Thaipusam
Thaipusam ( Tamil : தைப்பூசம் or Thai Poosam Kavady ) is a Hindu festival especially celebrated by Tamils on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (January / February) . Pusam refers to a star that has reached its highest position during the festival. The festival commemorates the birthday of God Murugan (also called Subramaniam or Skanda ), the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati , and the handing over of a vel (lance) from Parvati to Murugan so that he can defeat the demon ( Rakshasa ) Soorapadman . The festival is not only celebrated in the south of India , but also in Malaysia and Singapore . The festival is celebrated in the Mascarene Mountains under the name Kavadi ( Cavadee ). This is the general name of a wooden frame equipped with chains, colored fabrics or iron rods that the faithful carry during the procession.
myth
During the battle between the demonic Asuras and the heavenly devas, the Devas were always defeated, they were unable to withstand the Asuric forces. In desperation, they turned to Shiva and begged him to provide them with a capable leader under whose heroic leadership they could still achieve victory. The gracious God granted her wish by creating the mighty, divine warrior Murugan. He took control of the heavenly powers and defeated the Asuras.
literature
- Malaysia - torture that makes you happy . In: Geo 1/1977, Verlag Gruner + Jahr, Hamburg 1977, pp. 52–73
Web links
- Dennis David: www.ddavid.com (Photos from the Thaipusam festival in Singapore 2006)
- Rüdiger Benninghaus: Thaipusam - a Hindu festival at the Batu Caves (Malaysia). (Photos)