Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended warm greetings to people in India and across the world on the auspicious occasion of Thai Poosam, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. The Prime Minister’s message underscored the spiritual importance of the festival and highlighted its enduring message of devotion, sacrifice, and inner strength.
In his greetings, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes for happiness, good health, and prosperity, expressing hope that the sacred occasion would inspire people to walk on the path of righteousness and service. The Prime Minister noted that festivals such as Thai Poosam play a vital role in preserving India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage while fostering unity and harmony in society.
Thai Poosam, also known as Thaipusam, is observed during the Tamil month of Thai, usually falling in January or February, when the full moon aligns with the Poosam star. The festival commemorates the occasion when Goddess Parvati bestowed the divine spear, or Vel, upon Lord Murugan to vanquish evil forces and restore balance in the universe. For millions of devotees, the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, spiritual awakening, and unwavering faith.
Across India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka, devotees marked the day with special prayers, temple rituals, and processions. Prominent Murugan temples such as Palani, Thiruchendur, and Swamimalai witnessed large gatherings of devotees who undertook vows of fasting, penance, and barefoot pilgrimages as expressions of devotion.
Outside India, Thai Poosam is celebrated with equal fervour in countries with significant Tamil diaspora populations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Mauritius. The Batu Caves in Malaysia, one of the most iconic sites associated with Thai Poosam, saw thousands of devotees participate in processions carrying kavadi, a symbolic structure borne as an act of thanksgiving or penance.
In his message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the global significance of the festival, noting how it brings together people from diverse backgrounds through shared spiritual values. He emphasised that Indian festivals celebrated abroad serve as cultural bridges, strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting mutual understanding among nations.
PM Modi has consistently used such occasions to highlight India’s civilisational ethos and the universal values embedded in its traditions. Observers note that his greetings on Thai Poosam reflect a broader effort to recognise the cultural and spiritual practices of different regions and communities within the country.
Religious scholars point out that Lord Murugan occupies a unique place in Hindu worship, especially in Tamil culture, where he is revered as the god of wisdom, valour, and compassion. Thai Poosam rituals often involve acts of self-discipline and endurance, which devotees believe help purify the mind and body while strengthening spiritual resolve.
This year’s celebrations were marked by elaborate decorations at temples, chanting of hymns, and distribution of prasadam to devotees. Many temples also organised charitable activities such as free meals and medical camps, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on service and compassion.
Political leaders and social organisations across the country also joined in extending greetings on the occasion. Messages poured in on social media platforms, with citizens sharing prayers, photographs of temple celebrations, and reflections on the spiritual meaning of the day.
As the nation continues to balance modern aspirations with timeless traditions, festivals like Thai Poosam serve as reminders of India’s deep-rooted spiritual values. The Prime Minister’s greetings resonated with devotees, reinforcing the idea that faith, discipline, and unity remain essential pillars of society.