Hindu festival of Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam is a major Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, observed during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai when the Poosam (Pushya) star is prominent. It commemorates the occasion when Goddess Parvati gave Murugan the Vel (spear) to defeat the demon Soorapadman. The festival is celebrated as a victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Devotees undertake acts of penance such as carrying kavadi, fasting, and performing rituals in Murugan temples.