Thaipusam, like most Hindu festivals, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is believed that Goddess Parvati gave the ‘Vel’ (lance) to Lord Muruga on the Thaipusam day to vanquish the Asura (demon) army. Thaipusam is observed on the Pusam star in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (January – February).
The main significance of Thaipusam is victory over enemies - the enemies are both external and internal. We need to achieve victory over internal enemies like anger, lust, desire, passion etc. All that hampers our spiritual progress are our enemies.
The external enemies that we should fight are those that propagate evil and destroy mother nature. Mother Goddess Shakti gave Muruga the Vel to fight against both internal and external enemies.
We can achieve victory over external enemies only when we have conquered our internal enemies and purified ourselves.
Lord Muruga, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is also known as Skanda and Subramaniyan. He defeated Tharakasuran and other demons using the ‘vel.’ This is why most images of Lord Muruga have him carrying the powerful ‘vel.’
Thaipusam is mainly celebrated in the Tamil speaking world. In India Batu Caves Malaysia Singapore
Devotees carry Kavadi to Murugan temples on this day. Nowadays, Thaipusam celebrations garner international attraction for the body piercing with vel (lance) by devotees.