Living in a country gifted with people of more than one race, religion and custom, it can take a tad bit of effort to understand each other’s practices and beliefs. From the Chinese celebrating Cap Go Meh, to Gawai day by Sarawakians and Vaisakhi for Punjabis, we can all admit, Malaysia has a long list of celebrations, most of us hardly know about. 

  
That being said, what better time would there be, to learn about one the Hindus of our country put crucial importance upon, than on the actual day itself this year: Thaipusam. 

Our basic (or even stereotypical to a certain extent) knowledge surrounding Thaipusam is that, it is a celebration where Hindus all over the country go processioning at Batu Caves, with sharp stuff stuck in various parts of their bodies. Despite the fraction of truth that perception holds, there is but of course, so much more than meets the eye. 

  
For one, did you know that Thaipusam devotees wear a certain color during Thaipusam every year? They wear yellow or orange on this very day, as a means to signify the Lord Murugan. 

  
Number 2, the ‘kaavadi’ that these devotees carry during their processions, are often decorated with peacock feathers, because followers of the Hindu religion believe that the peacock, was Lord Murugan’s vehicle back in the day. 

What is a ‘kaavadi’ you may ask? Well third, a ‘kaavadi’ is an ornate, intricate structure (weighing up to 40kgs), which devotees carry on themselves throughout the procession, as a sacrificial offering to Lord Murugan. It is done so that their deepest desires and wishes come to fruition. As a matter of fact, the word in itself actually translates to, ‘a sacrifice with every step’.

  
Next, devotees actually spend 48 days preparing for the celebration, and fasting with no food whatsoever, 24 hours prior to it. 

If it hasn’t already been made obvious by now, number 5, Thaipusam is a festival to honour the Lord Murugan. He is the son to Lord Shiva, and is also known as the God of war, symbolizing bravery, virtue, youth and power. 

  
Sixth, the festival of Thaipusam is celebrated by Tamil Hindus, in not only Malaysia, but also India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Caribbean including Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago and Mauritius. 

On top of that, Thaipusam at the Batu Caves (Malaysia), is one of the biggest celebrations of its kind, in the world. It attracts over a million devotees and tens of thousands of tourists, every year. 

  
Even the name of the celebration holds meaning. Number 8, Thaipusam comes from the two separate terms of ‘Thai’ (the 10th month in the Tamil Calendar) and ‘Poosam’, the name of a star in the Cancer constellation. 

Given that these facts are merely scratching the surface when it comes to entirely comprehending and appreciating Thaipusam, they are the basic building blocks to understanding what this celebration is all about. 

  
We live in a country rich in so much culture, and besides adding to our knowledge, learning is a responsibility we should put to practice. With it, we would not only learn how to understand what makes us different, but also find an attempt to celebrate those differences, collectively.