You might have noticed that the traffic through the city area might have been a little more congested than normal on Thursday because of the annual Thaipusam festival. vsanthian, a Malayalee living here, reflects on the upkeeping of local ethnic traditions in Singapore – even when the home countries no longer practice them.

The Thaipusam is a festival of Carrying well decorated “Kavadis” with accompaniment of Percussion instruments and dances by supporters of ardent devotees. Usually they carry these kavadis for about 3 km afoot in a procession from one temple to the destination temple and greeted ,viewed and cheered by all Indians and foriegn tourists. These offerings are thanks giving for Lord Murugan , son of Lord Siva. All devotees under go a strict vegetarian austerity period,prior to this Festival day.

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Anyway, the amazing part is that in spite of all ultra modern life styles , the singaporeans have got their own unique way in keeping trditions as well. It may be good or bad, is up to you to judge. We can see in India , in any regions , all all these things are dis appearing or all being carried out wihtout any active participation and invlovement of younger generations with proper understanding. So the days of extinct of our rich heritage and culture is not far.

Read the full post here.

Tags: Thaipusam