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THAIPOOSAM FESTIVAL 2026

Thaipusam or Thaipoosam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. It is celebrated on 01st February 2026. Thaipusam is celebrated with great excitement in the town of Palani in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of devotees flock to the holy town, especially to the Temple of Palani during the annual Thaipusam Festival. On the day of the festival, devotees shave their heads, and set out for the pilgrimage along a set route while engaging themselves in various acts of religious observance, especially carrying different types of kavadi (burdens). Some devotees simply carry a pot of milk as a kavadi, some carry burdens on the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers. One of the hardest penance and one the most amazing practice in the festival is the vel Kavadi.The vel kavadi is a portable altar about two meters tall, adorned with peacock feathers and attached to the devotee's body through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and at back. The devotees get into a trance like situation in devotion to the Lord. They do not feel any pain, nor do they bleed from their wounds and also even no scars are left behind. Fire walking and whipping are also practiced to prove the devotion by the pilgrims during the Thaipusam.

Some of the most famous and top temples to visit and be a part of the celebration are Dhandayuthapani Temple - Palani, Subramaniya Swamy Temple-  Madurai.