I was driving slowly across Serangoon Road at about 630 am this morning and I saw some devotees carrying kavadis walking on the road surrounded by a crowd of people. Today is Thaipusam.
It’s on for a full day and the devotees walk from Perumal temple in Serangoon Road to Murugan temple in Tank Road. It’s actually a very long walk. Some walk carrying pots and others carry kavadis with their bodies and tongues pierced. On top of this, some pull a chariot. It’s quite an amazing sight for an onlooker.
When I was young and staying in Queenstown, my parents would bring me to watch the kavadis and we would walk along the streets and in particular visit a Sivan temple on Orchard road. This temple no longer exists and on it now stands the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.
It’s always a festive occasion and good weather is important for both the devotees who walk the distance, their families walking with them and the onlookers.
I had a friend who messaged me earlier this morning sending Thaipusam greetings. He was helping out distributing food from 10pm yesterday to 2 am this morning and was going back this evening to walk the entire route again.
So wonderful to have volunteers like him helping to make the event a success!
daily musings 
Leave a comment