Thaipoosam (also spelled Thaipusam) is indeed a major religious festival celebrated with deep devotion in Subrahmanya Swamy (Lord Murugan) temples across Tamil Nadu.
Significance:
- It falls in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February), on the Poosam (Pushya) nakshatram day.
- The festival commemorates the occasion when Goddess Parvati gave the Vel (divine spear) to Lord Murugan to vanquish the demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Celebrations in Tamil Nadu:
- Palani Murugan Temple (one of the Arupadai Veedu – six abodes of Murugan) witnesses massive pilgrimages during Thaipoosam. Devotees carry kavadis and undertake rigorous vows, fasting, and walk barefoot for miles.
- Other major Murugan temples like Tiruchendur, Thiruthani, Swamimalai, Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruparankundram also host elaborate celebrations.
- Devotees offer milk pots (paal kudam), perform piercings, and take part in processions and abhishekams.
It is a vibrant and spiritually intense celebration that showcases the deep Murugan bhakti tradition in Tamil Nadu.