Kids observe Thaipusam rituals

Come Feb 7, thousands of devotees as well as spectators will brave large crowds at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur to observe and witness one of Malaysia’s prominent religious festivals – Thaipusam.

While we hear many stories about people offering their love and devotion to the Hindu deity, Lord Subramanya (also known as Murugan) on Thaipusam day, seldom do we get to hear the voices of teens and children who participate in this extraordinary celebration.

Thaipusam commemorates the day when Lord Subramanya defeated the evil demon Soorapadman by using the vel (spear) given by Parvati. This is a symbolic day for devotees – young and old – to fulfil their vows. On this day, thousands of Lord Murugan devotees bestow special prayers, performing abstinence and penance to commemorate the day.

Devotee’s rituals

Children also perform penance by carrying the kavadi and they go through the same rituals as adults. The preparation usually starts 48 days prior to Thaipusam, whereby the devotees are required to cleanse themselves through prayers and fasting. In addition, adults observe celibacy. 

Schoolgoing children usually bring meals from home such as chapati, fruits and milk.

This is to help each devotee prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for the actual event. However, a week before Thaipusam, all devotees observe strict fasting and abstinence from all comforts of life. Children, for instance, sleep on the floor with just a mat or blanket. They use their elbows as pillows and it can be quite painful. 

Since they were toddlers, Shalini Paramasivam, 12, and her two siblings, Rubeni, 11, and Kiven, nine, have been carrying the pal kodam (milk pot offering), with help from their parents.

For Shalini, scoring 5As in her UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) exams and having her wish granted is the reason she is carrying the pal kodam this year. Usually, the milk pot is balanced on the head carefully so that it does not spill. The children do not go into a trance but follow their mother as she walks up the 272 steps to the shrine.

“I prayed very hard to score high marks so I’m carrying the pal kodam to fulfil my vow. My sister will be taking the UPSR exam next year and hopes to obtain high marks as well,” explains Shalini.

The children have been following in their mother’s footsteps - going on a vegetarian diet, sleeping on hard floors and foregoing all forms of frivolous entertainment. This is one way of sacrificing the comforts in their life. However, the children do not pierce their tongues with the vel (representing Lord Subramanya's lance).

Their mother Magisveri Govindasamy, 37, started carrying the karagam (a pot with holy waters) seven years ago to offer thanks to Lord Murugan for the health and happiness of her family.

“Shalini and the other children do have aches and pains when sleeping on hard surfaces without pillows but when they watch everyone doing it, they stop complaining,” says Magisveri.

When walking up to the Batu Caves temple, she is in a trance and is always helped by family members and friends.

“As a parent, I feel it is important to get our children involved in this festival. We dedicate this month not only to fulfilling vows, but also for guidance and blessings,” she adds.

Many people vow to shave their heads bald as well. This is done on the eve before Thaipusam or some may prefer to do it just before carrying their kavadi. Magisveri and her children choose not to.

Generations of kavadi bearers

Some families commit themselves to carrying the kavadi every year and it is even passed on for generations. 

Sudhan Kumar started carrying his kavadi at the tender age of eight. By the time he was 13, he was prepared to get his tongue pierced with the vel and soon after his 17th birthday, he became one of the youngest devotees to carry an elaborate kavadi.