Thaipusam is celebrated during the Thai Tamil month. In Peninsular Malaysia, this is a very popular festival, especially in places like Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. Thousands of devotees flock to these temples to pray to Lord Subramaniam. They bring along with them cow’s milk, honey, fruits and sing religious songs. In the procession, some devotees carry the kavadi, made from wood and fashioned in many shapes. Those who carry the kavadi do so to fulfil vows and also to earn the pardon and blessing of Lord Subramaniam so that they can be cleansed of all earthly sins.
The word Deepavali means a row of lights. These lights symbolize the victory of enlightenment over darkness; or wisdom and knowledge over ignorance; or justice over cruelty. This festival is celebrated during the month of Tamil Aipasi. This is actually the biggest Hindu festival in this country. On the eve of Deepavali day, a special ceremony is conducted in honour of the deceased relatives.
New clothes and food are offered to the souls of the dead. A family still mourning from a very recent bereavement does not usually celebrate Deepavali.
Early morning on Deepavali day, candles are lit and cakes and fruits are put on banana leaves beside new clothes – all ready for the celebration. A coconut is split into two and the whole family prays together by burning incense. The head of the family dabs the head of each member of the family with oil. Then they all have a bath to cleanse themselves.
Discussion:
- In your country’s religious practices, are vows made to gods?
- Why do people make vows to god?
- What kinds of vows / for what reasons are vows made?
- What happens when the vows are fulfilled or unfulfilled?