Thaipoosam Cavadee 2024: History and Facts about Murugan

Thaipoosam Cavadee 2024: This year, on January 25, Thaipoosam Cavadee falls in the Tamil month of “Thai,” which is equivalent to January and February in the Gregorian calendar. A piece of wood is referred to as a “kavadi” or “cavadee,” whereas “poosam” denotes a star. Tamils in India and several other nations, such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, and Fiji, celebrate it.

Thaipoosam Cavadee History

The festival’s legend centers on two figures: Murugan and Idumban, the pupil of Sage Agastya. Sage Agastya requested Idumban to locate two hills in South India, one called after Shiva and the other after Shakti, or Parvathi. Idumban began his mission by “attaching” the hills to opposing ends of a pole, or “cavadee.” He dropped his weight when he grew tired while marching to the appointed spot. Seeing this, Murugan, who was hidden nearby, made the hills too heavy for Idumban to raise again. Idumban ran into Murugan after realizing he could no longer carry the “cavadee,” and the two got into a brawl.

Idumban, who was on a heavenly mission, was furious because Murugan, the son of Shiva and Shakti, had rightfully claimed the hills. Murugan killed Idumban with the help of his dependable spear, or “vel,” which his mother had given him. He rejuvenated Idumban, who later became his best pupil.

Because of this legend, anyone who presents a load to Murugan on this day in the form of a “cavadee” can anticipate receiving his blessings. Typically, devotees travel to a Murugan temple carrying a vibrantly adorned arch, which represents hills or other burdens on the “cavadee.” Carrying pots of milk, flower garlands, coconuts, honey, turmeric, and other items deemed sacred and life-affirming are also options for those unable to lift heavy loads. On this day, many followers carry out penance rituals, such as walking on scorching coals and stabbing themselves with tiny spears.

Activities for Thaipoosam Cavadee

Consult a friend who is a Tamil

Asking someone you know who participates in the event what they do on the day and if they have any family customs they adhere to is a great idea. Speaking with someone who has attended the festival is a fantastic method to add to your internet knowledge about it.

Observe a parade

Thaipoosam is a vibrant, lively celebration that offers a wide variety of sights and noises to take in. The devotees’ carnival-inspired attire, the peacock feathers, and the flowers adorning the “cavadee” make for an incredible sight. Walking on hot coals and getting pierced by spears are two more unforgettable experiences.

Participate in a march

Thaipoosam has grown to be a popular travel destination worldwide. You can share the devotee’s experience by carrying your own decorated cavadee, if that’s more your style. For everyone who takes part, the festival is an endurance and strength test.

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Five Fascinating Facts about Murugan

• The god is also called Shanmukha, Kartikeya, Skanda, and Subramanya.
• Murugan rides a peacock named “Paravani” to journey.
• The captivating display of the male peacock’s tail feathers serves as inspiration for the larger cavadees. On their shoulders, devotees carry cavadas, which are bamboo structures with floral decorations. They vary in size and weight.
• Thaipoosam is also known as “Thaipooyam” by Malayalis, who speak Malayalam in Kerala, a state to the west of Tamil Nadu.
• Murugan enthusiasts flock to Palani in Tamil Nadu in their millions to celebrate the event, making it a popular destination.

The reasons we adore Thaipoosam Cavadee

It’s a vibrant display

For the parade, devotees deck themselves up in brilliant yellow and saffron apparel, flowers, feathers, and other decorations. People carry cavadees and accomplish other things in large numbers.

It’s an endurance test

Many believers think that spears, which vary in size based on the person’s pain threshold, should be used to pierce the skin and other bodily parts. To please Murugan and get his blessings, this is done as penance. Those who are devoted think that if they remain faithful, these deeds won’t harm them.

An opportunity to contrast religions

Similar endurance ceremonies are conducted on many occasions and have varying meanings across many religions. If you are aware of similar customs in your neighborhood or among other communities, the celebration offers a chance to consider their commonalities rather than differences.

THAIPOOSAM CAVADEE DATES