culture & tradition · Malaysia
Thaipusam
தைப்பூசம்
The short answer
Hindu festival honouring Lord Murugan, with a chariot procession from Kuala Lumpur and devotees carrying kavadi and milk pots up the steps of Batu Caves. It is a public holiday in several Malaysian states.
Where
Batu Caves (near Kuala Lumpur)
Country
Malaysia
When
annual, full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (January or February)
Last held
2026-02-01
Next edition
2027-01-22
Next dates are
calendar
Organiser
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam (Batu Caves temple management)
Visitors
2026: police estimated 1.4 to 1.5 million devotees at Batu Caves; the temple committee had forecast more than 2.5 million visitors including tourists (Bernama, NST, The Star)
Good to know
Also searched for as "Thaipussam". User wrote 'Thaipussam'; the correct spelling is Thaipusam. Processions and the chariot journey start one to two days before the main day. Also celebrated in Penang (Waterfall Hill temple, chariot procession from George Town) and in Singapore (procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple; a record of about 19,000 devotees was reported in 2026). The 2027 date of 22 January is given by Malaysian public-holiday calendars and Drik Panchang; one site lists 13 January 2027, which appears to be an error. Not a public holiday in Singapore.
Kungfucius says: A day of vows, kavadi and 272 steps at Batu Caves. Kungfucius climbs quietly.