Thaipusam 2022 Date, Timing, Rituals, Significance

Thaipusam or Thaipoosam is celebrated by the Tamils of the Hindu community on Purnima (full moon day) during the auspicious month of Thai as per the Tamil calendar.

The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over demon Soorapadman. On Thaipusam, devotees worship Lord Murugan to obtain his grace to destroy all the evil and bad traits in their life.

Thaipusam 2022 Date: January 18, Tuesday.

Nakshathram Begins: January 18, 2022 4:37 AM.

Nakshathram Ends: January 19, 2022 6:42 AM.

Rituals: Observer of Thaipusam starts preparation 48 hours in advance with fasting and prayer. They eat only satvik food once during the day. The devotees dress up in yellow and orange clothing.

Devotees shave their heads off and proceed towards the temple of their deity carrying Kavadi on the day of Thaipusam.

They lay down their Kavadi on reaching the temple. Honey or milk is then poured on the idol of the deity in the form of thanksgiving.

Yellow fruits and flowers are offered to Lord Murugan by the devotees.

Significance: Thaipusam is a thanksgiving ceremony to Lord Murugan, who is known as universal granter of desires. On fulfilment of their wishes, devotees make a vow to carry the Kavadi for a period of 1, 3 or 5 years in consecution.