Thaipusam Celebration by Indian Minority of Labuan

5th Feb 2023, Labuan - Thaipusam, a Tamil Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of 'Thai', the 10th month according to the Tamil calendar. Although not many in Labuan, Hindu devotees gathered together in the morning at the beach of Tanjung Batu, or also known as 'Pantai Navy' by island locals to purify themselves before proceeding the next ritual. The devotees later hold the large aluminium bowls filled with milk, or also known as Paalkudams above their head and shoulder then walk barefoot to the Thirumurugan Temple at Membidai while reciting prayers and beatings of the drum.

The Indian Hindu community are considered as small minority here in the Labuan and festivals that are celebrated by them are not as large as any other religous festivals. Being a local Labuan myself, this is the first time I've witnessed how this festival are celebrated here and frankly most of my peers are also the same as me.

Hindu devotees seen gathering at the beach of Tanjung Batu after they have done purifying themselves at the seaside. I was late during that time so I didn't able to make pictures of them doing the ritual.