Thaipusam 2026: Witness the Sacred Hindu Procession in Singapore
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival whose name combines “Thai”, meaning the tenth, and “Pusam”, referring to the time when the moon is at its brightest.
It takes place annually on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, 1 February.
It offers a rare opportunity to witness a Hindu tradition that is no longer permitted in India.
Thaipusam Overview
Honouring Lord Murugan
At the heart of Thaipusam is Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of victory.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, located near Fort Canning, is dedicated to this deity and plays a central role in the celebrations.
Thaipusam Schedule
Thaipusam unfolds over two days, with the key events outlined below.
Silver Chariot: 31st Jan
The Silver Chariot, carrying the statue of Lord Murugan, makes its way from Sri Thendayuthapani Temple to Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple on Keong Saik Road.
Procession: 1st Feb
From 11:30pm on 31 January through to 1 February, devotees make their way from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
Procession Route & Map
The procession begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (→map), located just outside Farrer Park MRT Station.
It then continues straight along Serangoon Road, passing Dhoby Ghaut before heading down Tank Road towards its final destination, the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (→map).
Please note that the route described above is based on past editions of the event and may differ slightly from this year’s route.
Thaipusam Sacred Procession
One of the highlights of Thaipusam is the pilgrimage procession. Every year, tens of thousands of devotees participate in a procession to the temple of Lord Murugan, seeking blessings and fulfilling their sacred vows.
Starting at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
On the day itself, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple — the starting point of the procession — comes alive with a palpable energy from the very early morning.
From here, the route spans approximately 4.5km to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. This marks the beginning of a sacred journey, with each step offered in devotion and gratitude to the divine.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal
Ritual Acts of Thaipusam
Serangoon Road is partially closed off for Thaipusam. As the devotees pass by, flower petals are scattered along their path, with cheers rising from the crowd.
Kavadi and piercings with hooks and skewers — both tangible expressions of penance and devotion during Thaipusam — are sacred acts undertaken only by those who have spent a month preparing mentally and physically.
Weighing as much as 40kg, the Kavadi is secured to the devotee’s body by hooks and skewers extending from every angle.
Other forms of penance, such as piercing the tongue and cheeks or suspending limes from the body, can also be witnessed during the procession.
A young boy carries a wooden Kavadi, known as the Paal Kavadi. Unlike adults, devotees under 16 in Singapore are not allowed to pierce their bodies with hooks or skewers.
Key Symbols in Hinduism
While no two Kavadis are exactly the same — each featuring its own distinct colours and decorations—they still share several common elements.
To better understand their significance within Hinduism, here is a closer look at what these traditional symbols represent.
Peacock Feathers
In Hindu mythology, the peacock is believed to have been created from the feathers of Garuda — the legendary bird and divine mount of Lord Vishnu. Its feathers are cherished as symbols of good luck and are a common sight in many Hindu households.
Saffron Colour
The orange‑yellow saffron hue is considered sacred, representing Agni — the divine fire that dispels darkness and brings forth light.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
Devotees arrive one after another at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, bringing their arduous journey to a close.
They offer the milk pots they’ve carried to the deity and receive sacred ash as a sign of their fulfilled vows.
In the inner sanctum, priests pour the collected milk over the Vel — the sacred spear that symbolizes Lord Murugan.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
Final Thoughts
Devotees press forward with unwavering determination, eyes fixed ahead as they endure the rigours of their penance.
It is a stirring sight that speaks to universal sentiments transcending time and faith: reverence for the divine and love for one’s family.
Thaipusam offers a rare opportunity to witness this raw, primal human strength in its purest form.
Experience this extraordinary festival firsthand in Singapore for a deeply moving encounter with living tradition.
Thaipusam
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