Thaipusam celebration showcases Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry

KUCHING: The annual Thaipusam celebration unfolds as a testament to the rich tapestry of multiculturalism that defines Malaysia and intrigues those who have never experienced the celebration.

With its roots deeply embedded in the Tamil Hindu community, Thaipusam has become a colourful and profound cultural spectacle in Sarawak, drawing devotees and curious onlookers alike.

Priest Puspharajan from Hindu Temple Association Kuching said on Thursday (Jan 25) that they will first get blessings from Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon, and is the Supreme God in the Ganapatya sect.

“We’ll initiate the prayer by offering our first respects to Ganapati. Once we receive permission from him, we will commence the prayer and proceed on the path towards the temple.

“To attain anything worthwhile, effort and perseverance are essential. That’s the reason you’ve taken the initiative to come and meet me. In West Malaysia, towering temples on hills are a common sight.

“By making the effort to walk up and visit me, you will be rewarded with something valuable. If you simply observe without taking action, no rewards will come your way. Therefore, it is crucial to invest effort,” Puspharajan said.

Commencing at 7am this year, the assembly point for the procession was held at the Satok Bridge riverbank. From there, devotees and Kavadi Attam bearers proceed on foot toward Sri Srinivasagar Kaliammman Temple located in Jalan Ban Hock.

The priest stated that approximately 100 participants will be joining for the Paal Kudam (Milk Offering) and around six or seven kavadi bearers will be participating in the procession.

Paal Kudam stands as another prevalent form of offering during Thaipusam, involving the presentation of milk (paal) in a kudam (vessel shaped like a pot). Devotees typically carry this vessel on their heads as they prepare to offer the milk to Lord Murugan.

Subsequently, the collected milk serves the purpose of Paal Abhishekam, a ritualistic bathing of the deity to whom worship is dedicated. Abhishekam is a religious practice where devotees pour liquid offerings onto an image or idol of a God or Goddess.

During this ceremony, priests conduct the Abhishekam by bathing the deity’s image while chanting mantras. Various offerings, including milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, panchamrita, sesame oil, rose water, and sandalwood paste, are commonly used based on the specific type of Abhishekam being performed.

Concurrently, Kavadi Aattam, also known as the “burden dance”, is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and devotion observed by worshippers during their reverence to Murugan, the Hindu god of war. Integral to the Thaipusam festival, this practice underscores the concept of debt bondage.

The Kavadi itself represents a physical burden, carried by devotees to implore Murugan for assistance, often on behalf of a loved one in need of healing or as a means of fulfilling a spiritual debt. As part of the ritual, devotees process and dance along a pilgrimage route, bearing these symbolic burdens.

As the march went on, the rhythmic beat of drums reverberated through the air, providing a pulsating soundtrack to the procession. Devotees, in a trance-like state, pierce their bodies with elaborate body decorations known as “vels”, symbolic of the burdens and sacrifices they willingly bear in devotion to Lord Murugan.

Upon reaching the temple, the Kavadis and Paal Abhishekam were presented, and temple volunteers proceeded to anoint the Deity’s statue with the milk-filled pots, concluding the Abhishekam ritual. After returning the emptied containers to the devotees, the worshippers would then offer prayers at the temple statues, signifying the completion of their Thaipusam rituals.

Hindu Temple Association Kuching president V Sahundararaju mentioned that devotees consistently express their commitment to this festival. The association ensures that they fulfil their vows by participating in the carrying of Kavadis and other rituals during this auspicious event.

“Thaipusam, a Hindu festival primarily celebrated by the Tamil community, is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victor over the demon Surapadman, wielding the divine spear known as the vel.

“The preparation for Thaipusam encompasses various spiritual and physical disciplines, including maintaining cleanliness, engaging in regular prayers, adopting a vegetarian diet, and observing a 48-day fasting period.

“The festival serves as a period of profound devotion, self-discipline, and active community involvement, uniting devotees in a collective celebration of faith and spirituality. Thaipusam transcends its religious significance to become a cultural and social event, encapsulating the rich traditions of the Tamil Hindu community,” he elaborated.

Another procession was also held at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Batu Lintang, the tallest temple in Borneo with an estimated value of around RM3.67mil, is anticipated to be completed by July this year.

As portrayed by today’s celebration, Thaipusam is not merely a religious event; it is a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries.
Communities from different background, race and religion come together to witness and partake in the festivities, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding.