Thai Poosam

Thaai Poosam, the very name denotes that the festival occurs in the month of Thaai (Jan - Feb). The festival normally occurs around the full moon day in Tamil month of Thaai during the day of the poosam star in the tamil astrological calendar. The event is to mark the killing of the demon Tharakasura by Lord Muruga. This day marks the end of the curse given to Lord Muruga by his parents, Shiva and Parvathi.

This festival is celebrated in a grand fashion at 5 venues in the region.

1. Lord Subramaniar Temple, Mettupalayam

2. Sri Kulandaivelayuthasamy Temple, Kurandamalai.

A chariot parade is organised on this day at this temple. The function is organised by the nearby villages who take the onus on them to make this event a grand occassion. The function marks the congregation of many villages primarily around the Karamadai region not to mention the visitors from other regions. It is believed that this temple has the power to grant children to the ones in want of children.

3. Sri Oothimalai Murugan Temple, Irumborai

The event marks a confluence of all villages around Irumborai. As is believed that the normally six faced Muruga appears with five faces as installed by the Siddhar Bogar at this venue, Thaai Poosam marks a very important time in the calendar in this region. The chariot parade normally happens around 2-4 am in the wee hours when the full moon or the star is said to be at its peak. This is a great occassion that has been in practice for many decades now in this region.

4. Sri Kumaran Kundru, Therampalayam

The temple is located on small hillock near Therampalayam with a unique statue near the entrance gate with a sage riding on a tiger. This temple features Lord Muruga with Theivannai and Valli. This temple is special for all the villages in the eastern region and mostly in the Therampalayam region. The villages in the belladi panchayat consider this festival very important. The celebrations normally go on for about a week with several shows such as Kavadi attam, chariot parade, bajjans etc., The festival is gaining more prominence in this region with the grandeur that is displayed.

5. Sri Chennamalai Murugan Temple, National Nagar

The temple is located on a hillock on the way to Sathyamangalam from Mettupalayam. This temple also celebrates the festival with people visiting from Mettupalayam town. The occassion is marked with food distributions, special poojas, bhajjans and a chariot parade.