• Thaipusam is held on every 10th month of the Tamil calendar (which falls between January to mid-February), which is known by the Tamils as “Thai”. The star known as “Pusam/Poosam” is at its highest point during full moon in this month, hence the name of the festival “Thaipusam”.
• During this festival, Hindu devotees fulfill their vows to show their gratitude to Lord Murugan, who represents youth, power and virtue. Devotees participating in the parade expose their chests and backs, with their bodies pierced with silver spikes or hung with incense burners, and shoulder silver chariots known as Kavadi, with steel spikes and wires tied to them before walking barefooted to the temple. Then, they put the Kavadi in front of the altar of Lord Murugan, in order to show their gratitude.
• In Singapore, Thaipusam usually lasts for two days, where Hindu devotees depart from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road and walk to the final destination, which is Sri Thendayuthapani Temple along Tank Road.

After 46 years, percussionists once again travelled with the devotees and played traditional Indian drums along the way during the parade, bringing a new atmosphere to Thaipusam. (Lianhe Zaobao, 22/1/2019)