Thaipusam is a Tamil Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, marked by devotion and penance, and in Penang it’s strongly associated with chariot processions and devotees carrying kavadis (including ornate peacock kavadis). Penang’s celebrations are commonly centred around the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Waterfall Hilltop Temple) area, with large crowds and many “Thaneer Panthals” (refreshment stalls) along routes.
Penang celebrates Thaipusam on 1 Feb 2026, with major processions and rituals spilling into the eve (31 Jan), making it one of the island’s biggest, most visible Hindu religious events focused on Murugan devotion and iconic chariot/kavadi traditions.
