Smashing of Coconuts

Old coconuts are smashed along the road where the Chariot would pass.

Coconuts breaking as a form of thanksgiving. The coconut water is meant to wash clean the road before Lord Murugan's Chariot pass.

Thaipusam celebration in Malaysia is much grander and joyer than the ones in India. Thaipusam in Malaysia is more colorful with people from other races and cultures participating together.

Thaipusam tradition was brought to the Malay Peninsula through the South Indian Hindu during the 19th century. The festival has since evolved and grown so big in Malaysia and Singapore that it has now far outsized celebrations in India.  

This festival of rich culture and deep tradition is an 'out of this world' experience which draws a massive crowd each year in this little known sleepy town in Malaysia.

After offering thanksgiving prayers and penance to Lord Muruga, the status is taken to the chariot scheduled for a return trip starting from the temple to round about at Old Tawau Airport.

Thunderous loud singing, dancing and beating of drums of devotional songs by their supporters can heard far and wide throughout the entire vicinity of the festival.

The highlight of Thaipusam Celebration is a pilgrimage procession  to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a colorful chariot led by more then hundred for a round rout from the temple to Tawau Old Airport round about.

This length of  road was shut completely for 4 hours to traffic for the procession.

Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar normally between last week of January and 1st week of February, depending on the alignment of the sun, moon and planets.

Lord Muruga represents virtue, youth and power.

Photo right : Devotees lining up waiting for turn to make offerings to Lord Murugan before the Lord's chariot departs.

THAIPUSAM CELEBRATION
DATE : 20TH JANUARY 2011