Counting Down to Thaipusam 2023 - 49 More Days

As the year comes to an end, it is time to prepare for the coming year. Tomorrow (December 20th) marks the start of the 48 day fast (mandala viratham) for those who intend to carry kavadi (burden) for the coming Thaipusam (in February 2023).

In Malaysia, Thaipusam falls on February 5th 2023. Whilst the Pusam star in the month of Thai in 2023 reaches the highest point around 1.13pm on the 4th of February 2023, the festival is officially set for the following day.

This is because Thaipusam can only considered to begin after the Theertochavam ceremony of Lord Muruga's Vel (bathing of the divine spear) had been carried out and that ceremony can only be conducted in the morning. Hence Thaipusam officially falls on February 5th in 2023.

Carrying the kavadi (burden) is no easy feat and the preparation includes a 48 day fast. This fast or mandala viratham must be completed before the day of carrying the kavadi, and entails austerities like sleeping on the floor (no beds or soft bedding), taking only sattvic diet, taking only cold baths, abstaining from sex, and for men they will not shave or cut their hair in this period.

So today is 49 days to the actual day of Thaipusam in 2023 and we are all looking forward to the festival next year minus all the SOPs of the pandemic.