Masi Magam is one of the major Tamil Hindu festivals and is celebrated when the Moon is in the Magha/Magam nakshatra (star/asterism) during the Tamil month of Masi (Feb - March). The Magha star is α-Leonis (Regulus) in the Western constellation of Leo and in Hindu astrology this star is associated with power and royalty.
Whilst there are many stories regarding the religious significance of Masi Magam, there is always the common factor of bathing in a body of water as an absolution of sins or cleansing and for attaining spiritual blessing. This year the festival falls on 12th March 2025.
In Penang, this festival is celebrated in a grand manner at the Sri Singamuga Kaliammam temple in Teluk Bahang.
Here the festival takes on an even more spectacular twist with the deity being taken out to sea on a beautifully decorated float/boat (a Theppa), hence the name Masi Magam Theppa Thiruvizha.
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The Theppa Thiruvizha conducted here is due to the ties of the local community whom built this place of worship, being mostly fishermen.
Hence the parading of their protector deity, the Goddess Kaliammam on a decorated boat out on the seas during Masi Magam is a form of seeking her blessings and protection in their daily lives.
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With the passing of time (and with the construction of the old Mutiara hotel), the village had basically disappeared and its inhabitants moved on to other places, but the strong ties with the temple that still stands on its original site brings them and their families back for this massively grand festival once a year.
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Since 2022, I have been continuously been attending this festival, and every year the festival has never failed to impress me.
