Thaipusam Festival, India
Thaipusam is a festival that celebrates good triumphing over evil in Hindu tradition. In Tamil, Thaipusam is known as the month of Pusam star ("Thai" stands for a month and "Pusam" represents a star).
There are ancient Hindu texts that describe Thaipusam's history. In the past, Soopradaman, an evil Asura or demon, ruled over all three realms (hell, earth, and heaven). Indra, the king of gods, was insulted as well by him as he took all of the gods hostage. They tortured the universe after defeating everyone, including Soopradaman and Singamugan. Another variation of Thaipusam's meaning is that of a festival. The word "Thai" also means ten, and the word "Pusam" is the name of the Full Moon day or Purnima. As a result, it is also known as the festival of the tenth moon.
Their symbols were hatred, greed, and arrogance. Lord Murugan was gifted a sacred sphere by Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati infused the orb with her power, which she manifested as "Shakti". By using this sphere, Lord Murugan rid the world of these Asuras and freed all gods and the universe.
The significance of Thaipusam lies in celebrating victory over evil. By celebrating it we hope that always good will triumph over evil. Murugan's victory in battle is celebrated at this festival by his devotees. Lord Murugan is worshipped on this day, and devotees do severe penances to worship him. Doing penance helps people to shed their arrogance, greed, and hatred. Lord Murugan is also visited and is offered flowers and yellow fruits. Those who offer Lord Murugan something in the yellow or orange color will be pleased since he likes these colors. Two ends of a branch of a tree contain milk pots or pots filled with flowers and fruits, which devotees carry on their shoulders.